A new chapter is beginning in the north of Basel. The planning partners – the canton of Basel-Stadt, Swiss Life, and Rhystadt – today presented the klybeckplus urban planning model in the presence of the president of the Basel-Stadt cantonal government Beat Jans and cantonal councillor Esther Keller. The planning model shows how previously isolated neighbourhoods are being connected, how additional residential, working and living spaces are being created, and where new green spaces and open spaces are planned. Key elements of the transformation of the Klybeck site into an open, green, mixed-use neighbourhood include the sustainable use of resources, urban-friendly mobility and the requirements of a climate-resilient city.

Covering just under 30 hectares, the Klybeck site is the largest regeneration area in Basel. Together with the port and urban development projects on Klybeckquai and Westquai, it makes a significant contribution to the provision of open spaces and housing, and to the prosperity of the entire canton. The urban planning model serves as the guiding framework for the Klybeck development plan, which will be drawn up over the coming years. “This vision will ensure the successful transformation of the Klybeck site into a mixed-use, green neighbourhood – a neighbourhood where everything is within easy reach for residents, and where living, working, education, culture, leisure and sport complement one another,” said cantonal councillor and head of the Basel-Stadt Department of Construction and Transport, Esther Keller, during the presentation of the approximately 140-page report.

The future of the Klybeck site is green, mixed-use and climate-friendly.
The planning model outlines the key aspects of the development across areas such as open and green spaces, living and working, mobility, urban planning, sustainability, and the environment. It demonstrates how a liveable neighbourhood can be created for the people of Basel. There will be a spacious new park called Klybeckmatte on banks of the River Wiese, while a new public open area, the Rheinterrasse, will also be created on the banks of the Rhine. The extensive green spaces and open areas will be achieved through high-density development of residential and commercial buildings. “The new district will become a beacon of innovation and climate-friendly living as well as a model for energy generation. The aim is for most of the energy required to be generated within the neighbourhood itself. The sun and the nearby River Rhine will be used as sources of energy,” explained the president of the Basel-Stadt cantonal government Beat Jans. The regeneration of Klybeck will open up the area between the Rhine and the Wiese and link the two rivers. Around 1,800 new trees will be planted to complement the 300 or so existing trees. The future district will provide housing for 8,500 residents and space for 7,500 jobs. A third of the flats will be affordable. Priority will be given to pedestrians and cyclists.

From a development standpoint, the regeneration of Klybeck goes hand in hand with the further development of existing neighbourhoods. Furthermore, many significant industrial buildings will be preserved. Site contamination will be professionally remediated. With its extensive green spaces, surface management in line with the ‘sponge city’ concept, innovative water management and a fossil-fuel-free energy supply, the district – which extends the existing Klybeck quarter – will be a model of sustainable, climate-friendly urban development. “We believe that this urban planning model provides a sound and high-quality basis on which to work. The development of the Klybeck site will benefit not only its future residents but also the neighbouring districts and the city as a whole,” said Beat Aeberhard, Chief Architect of the canton of Basel-Stadt.

Participation will remain a top priority in the future
The three planning partners – the canton of Basel-Stadt, Swiss Life, and Rhystadt – have drawn up the mission statement in collaboration with the interdisciplinary planning team comprising Diener & Diener Architekten, Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten, the transport experts from Gruner and the curator Martin Heller, with the support of a specialist advisory panel. Public participation was also a top priority, as urban development is inconceivable without it. Examples of suggestions from the public that have been incorporated into the mission statement include the expansion of Klybeckmatte and the Rheinterrasse, as well as the planned mix of residential and commercial use, which can be adapted to the needs of the local community, and the provision of underground car parks for both cars and bicycles. The public will also be involved in the wider process, whether through having a say in land-use planning and the local development plan, or through the neighbourhood development initiative led by the cantonal and city development authorities.

Next steps
The ‘Städtebauliches Leitbild klybeckplus’ forms the foundation for the ongoing transformation of the Klybeck site – it serves as the basis for the land-use plan and for the proposed urban development contract between the canton of Basel-Stadt and the landowners. The land-use plan examines open space, mobility, the environment, and urban development in greater detail. It will be put out for public consultation in the form of zoning amendments and one or more local development plans, and will be approved by the cantonal parliament.