Bern: Kirchacker housing estate to be demolished and rebuilt
The Kirchacker housing estate in the west of Bümpliz is to be replaced by new buildings, the city of Bern has announced. In the process, densification is also planned.
The Kirchacker housing estate was built between 1948 and 1951 and is now in need of major renovation. It is largely owned by the non-profit building cooperative Pro Familia Kirchacker. It owns 15 properties with 91 apartments. One property each in the planning perimeter belongs to the Fonds für Boden- und Wohnbaupolitik and the Personalvorsorgekasse der Stadt Bern, as well as to a private individual.
The landowners are now aiming to replace the housing estate and increase the density of the area. This is in line with the development plans of the city of Bern, according to the city: The redensification of the site with additional, high-quality and mostly affordable housing supports key objectives of the housing strategy and the urban development concept of the city of Bern.
According to the city, a feasibility study shows that the current usable floor space could be almost tripled in a neighborhood-compatible manner by rebuilding the settlement. In addition, the outdated living space can be adapted to today's needs. The new development is to be strongly greened and climate-adapted. At least 90 percent of the apartments will be low-priced and rented on a long-term basis. To enable residents to move within the estate, the site will be developed in stages.
In order to implement the replacement buildings, a zone with planning obligation (ZPP) was issued, which is still in public consultation until June 9. A referendum is also required, which is planned for the first half of 2025. (ah)
