Zurich: Letting of the Hard streetcar depot begins
A random generator pre-selects applicants for the 193 city apartments. Future residents must agree in the rental contract to refrain from owning a car.
The Tramdepot Hard municipal housing estate is due to be completed in the summer. The city has just started letting the 193 apartments near Escher-Wyss-Platz. In addition to apartments in two high-rise buildings, there are two-storey terraced houses, residential studios and apartments overlooking the river. Interested parties can register on a website, then a random generator will select 1,128 households to submit an application. The city only offers virtual tours for the different types of apartments with 1.5 to 7.5 rooms. The nine commercial spaces have already been allocated.
"The housing estate creates urgently needed non-profit housing in a neighborhood with predominantly expensive apartments," says City Councillor Daniel Leupi, Head of the Department of Finance. The rents are based on the principle of cost rent: A 4.5-room apartment costs between CHF 2,320 and CHF 3,420 per month net, depending on the location. According to the city, subsidized apartments cannot be offered due to the complex construction method. Anyone wishing to rent on the site must do without a personal car - this is stipulated in the rental agreement. There are 19 parking spaces available for guests, customers and people with disabilities.
The designs for the housing estate were drawn up by Morger Partner Architekten. According to the city administration, the loan of around CHF 216 million for the housing estate and streetcar depot can be met. The new streetcar depot will be in use from fall 2026. (aw)
