Bern: Indicative project for Wankdorfcity 3 is available

Two development phases of Wankdorfcity Bern have already been completed, and now Immofonds, as the developer and landowner, wants to develop the area in the eastern part of the former industrial site. It wants to transform the approximately 34,000 sqm site, which is now mainly used for commercial purposes, into an urban living and working quarter.

According to the Immofonds, the test planning has shown that within the framework of the existing superstructure regulations, around 100,000 square meters of gross floor area can be realized in a high urban planning and architectural quality. The plan is for mixed use with a residential share of 40% to 50% in various price and supply segments and 50% to 60% of office or commercial space, including for the manufacturing industry.

An interdisciplinary team led by architect Rolf Mühlethaler has drawn up an urban planning guideline project that envisages, among other things, the preservation of the Shedhalle and the directly adjacent concrete building. Around these existing buildings, a "stacked city" with a high-rise ensemble is to be created, according to the Immofonds. Through different building heights - a maximum of 75 meters -, differentiated architectures and various building types, a diverse cityscape is to be created. Numerous open spaces and squares are also planned, including landscaped garden bridges, courtyard terraces and roof gardens.

In order to realize the urban development guideline project, a "minor adjustment of the existing superstructure regulations" is necessary, according to Immofonds. After a project competition has been held for the entire Wankdorfcity 3, project planning and the approval procedure will follow. According to the current state of planning, construction is expected to start in the first half of 2023. (ah)