Bern: densification planned at the Wankdorf Stadium

According to a statement from the City of Bern, the condominium owners of Wankdorf Center Bern want to make better use of the building structure on the stadium site. As part of a densification process, the open sides of the stadium are to be built on, which will improve the wind protection and shading of the neighborhood square. The municipal council has approved the corresponding development regulations for public consultation.

The current Wankdorf Stadium has been in operation since 2005. Together with the stadium, the shopping center, the square and a solitary building to the south of it were also built. In the meantime, it has become clear that the structural utilization of the empty space in the stadium can be optimized and that wind protection needs to be improved. The site is owned by the Burgergemeinde Bern. The Wankdorf Center Bern condominium owners' association, which holds the building rights, consists of UBS Fund Management (Switzerland) AG, BSC Young Boys AG and the CSL Behring AG pension fund. For their plans, the existing zone with planning obligation (ZPP) Stadion Wankdorf would have to be replaced by a development regulation (ÜO). This is intended to permit an internal development of 25,000 to 30,000 square meters of additional above-ground floor space. In particular, the range of services and restaurants is to be expanded. Residential use, on the other hand, is excluded. The solitary building to the south of Quartierplatz is to be raised by two storeys and offer additional office space; according to the press release, other services and catering businesses as well as workshops and production facilities are also conceivable. Residential use is also excluded here.

A referendum on the development plan is expected to take place in summer 2025. (aw)