Bern prepares infrastructure for major project
Investments of three billion Swiss francs are planned for the Ausserholligen development area. Bern's municipal council has now approved a framework credit of CHF 176 million for the development.
An area in Bern-Ausserholligen divided by a highway viaduct and railroad tracks is to be transformed into a vibrant urban area over the next 20 years. The canton of Bern has classified the area as a premium development focus (ESP) - i.e. of the highest cantonal interest. A total of over 40 projects are planned in the Ausserholligen ESP: For example, the canton is building the new campus of the Bern University of Applied Sciences for over 7,000 students and employees in the east. For the connection, a stop will be moved 300 m to the east and become the new "Europaplatz Nord" stop. In Weyermannshaus West, the Burgergemeinde and the post office are planning up to 1,000 new apartments as well as space for small businesses, offices, stores, restaurants and culture. And on the EWV/BLS site to the south, three high-rise buildings are being built for offices, apartments, commerce and the new headquarters of Energie Wasser Bern (IB reported). According to the city, the investments planned by private and public developers add up to around CHF 3 billion.
To realize the necessary infrastructure projects, the city has developed a total of 17 sub-projects in which it either acts as the developer or contributes to the costs as a co-developer. In addition to the relocation of the bus stops mentioned above, these include a new traffic axis under the highway viaduct and an open space for various leisure, sports, commercial and cultural activities. The measures will cost a total of CHF 176 million. The referendum is expected to take place on June 9, 2024. (aw)
