Basel: Yes to the conversion of Volta Nord
The Basel electorate gives the green light for the rezoning of the 11.7-hectare Volta Nord area. The development plan was approved with a yes vote of 60.9 percent.
According to the plan, the currently underused Volta Nord industrial and goods site (Lysbüchel site) is to be developed into an urban quarter. Around 2,000 to 3,000 jobs and housing for 1,300 to 1,900 people are to be created. Areas that are little used today will be densified, and new residential space will also be created.
The development plan allows for an increase in gross floor area (GFA) from around 85,000 today to approximately 206,000 square meters. Of this, at least 40 percent each is reserved for work and residential uses. An elementary school is to be realized in the southern part of the site, which is dominated by residential use.
Businesses had filed a referendum against the parliamentary resolution approving the development plan. They feared conflicts between the companies and new residents, especially because of noise pollution. (ah)
