Basel: Grand Council demands changes to the Nauentor project
The Building and Spatial Planning Committee (BRK) of the Grand Council approves the large Nauentor development at Basel's SBB railway station in principle. However, it is calling for a number of changes, including that at least one third of the residential component should be offered at affordable prices.
The vacant Postreiter building at SBB station is to be converted into the Nauentor. The planning consortium of Post Finance and SBB is planning a new development in which the existing supporting structure above the tracks will be used as a base. Three high-rise buildings of up to 87 metres are to be built; in total, the superstructure will create 50,000 sqm to 80,000 sqm of work space and 36,000 sqm of living space for around 600 people. Up to 460 parking spaces are also planned.
The Building and Spatial Planning Commission (BRK) of the Grand Council has approved the project, but has introduced some amendments. Thus, the commission unanimously requests that at least one third of the residential portion, i.e. 12,000 sqm, must be offered as low-priced and additionally at least one third of all apartments must be occupied with a residence requirement.
The investors and the Department of Construction and Transport (BVD) should improve their plans for the north-south and east-west connections for bicycle traffic, which were also demanded by objectors. According to the BRK, the vague formulations of the representatives of the BVD and the investors almost led to the rejection of the proposal. However, the importance of the project, the threat of a wasteland at this prominent location in Basel, the concessions indicated and the willingness of the BVD and the investors to find a solution in the future meant that the BRK was able to reach a compromise.
The Grand Council will deal with the bill in its March session. (ah)
