Zurich: New use for the barracks area
The city and canton of Zurich have presented their plans for a new use of the barracks area near the main train station.
When the cantonal police move into the new police and justice center, the barracks area in Zurich's Kreis 4 will become vacant. According to the master plan and the cantonal structure plan, the military barracks will continue to be used for cantonal tasks: An educational center for adults with public-oriented uses on the first floor is planned in the listed building. The "Pilum" project by Spillmann Echsle Architekten from Zurich is to be implemented.
The listed military barracks will meet the requirements of future uses with only a few interventions, without affecting the building typology, according to a statement by the city of Zurich. A central atrium extends over all upper floors and provides an attractive space for forms of learning outside the classic classroom. Bright platforms serve as meeting places and give the school an identity.
The project is currently being further developed. In 2022, a project ready for approval is to be presented to the government council and cantonal council.
A small-scale mix of uses is planned for the armory, including cultural and social offerings, commercial enterprises, and educational and recreational uses. The Zeughaus site is to be handed over to the city in building rights for 50 years. The expansion of the Zeughaus will cost around CHF 55 million, according to the statement. The canton of Zurich will contribute up to 30 million. The city council is expected to approve the project loan in 2024 for the attention of the city council. In addition, the city of Zurich will continue to operate the barracks meadow on a utility loan basis; it is to become a public open space.
What will happen to the police barracks is not clear. The government council and the city council have decided to start negotiations about the future of the building, the statement continues. (ah)
