Aarau: Barracks area to be developed step by step

The barracks area offers "a unique development potential in the most central location," says the city of Aarau in a statement. The master plan envisages an opening, circulation and mixed use of the area between the railroad station and the old town as a diverse urban quarter. This is to be achieved after 2030 through a gradual opening and conversion of the areas for civilian uses. It is clear, however, that the barracks area will continue to be used partly for military purposes: The Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) wants to continue renting parts of the barracks area beyond 2030, according to the city of Aarau.

The planning perimeter covers the area between Laurenzenvorstadt, Kasinostrasse, Apfelhausenweg and Poststrasse. The owner of the largest area in this perimeter is the Canton of Aargau, the second largest is the DDPS.

Predominant uses in the northern band would be the district court and military uses. Civilian uses of the existing buildings are also possible. In the middle band, the focus would be on mixed uses with residential and work in high density in the sense of a center area.

According to the city, the intended uses for the southern band include culture, education, services, gastronomy, hotel, meeting and the cultural lighthouse Alte Reithalle. Housing is not ruled out here in suitable locations. A central and attractive piazza with various possible uses is also to be located in this band, over which the main connection will lead from the train station along the Reithalle to Kasinostrasse.

Now, on the basis of the master plan and with the involvement of the federal government, the canton and the city of Aarau, the urban development and mobility concepts are being drawn up and the economic viability is being reviewed. Subsequently, the land use planning is to be adapted. (ah)