Bern: PAT-BVG wants to build on the Meinen site

According to PAT-BVG, a development with two building complexes is planned, which will be located on the current site of the large butchery Meinen AG on both sides of Schwarztorstrasse. A total of around 200 rental apartments will be built on the upper floors of the five- to eight-story buildings. One third of the living space will be in the low-price segment, according to the foundation. The development thus complies with the city's housing initiative, even though it is not yet legally binding.

North of Schwarztorstrasse, sales areas are planned on the first floor and in the basement of the head building, oriented towards Brunnmattstrasse. The sales areas are designed for retail trade. In the building south of Schwarztorstrasse, ground-floor retail space is planned for local businesses, restaurants, cafés or other service providers.

Construction to start in 2020 at the earliest

In 2011, the company Meinen Immobilien sold its site in the Mattenhof district to PAT-BVG because the existing buildings in the urban environment could no longer be used sensibly as a large butcher's shop in the longer term. As a result, PAT-BVG started planning for a residential, commercial and service development and in 2014 launched a two-stage study contract among eight architectural firms, in collaboration with the city and representatives from the neighborhood. At the beginning of 2015, the winning project was submitted by the planning consortium GWJ Architektur/ASTOC from Bern.

Following the revision of the winning project in accordance with the recommendations of the assessment panel, a zoning ordinance is to be drawn up over the next two years. The Bernese voters are expected to be able to decide on the zoning plan amendment in 2019. Construction can begin in 2020 at the earliest. (ah)