The Klybeck site is to be transformed into an open, green, mixed-used neighbourhood. The planning partners – the canton of Basel-Stadt, Swiss Life, and Rhystadt – have now unveiled the ‘Richtprojekt klybeckplus’ (master plan). In addition to housing for 8,500 people – a third of which will be social housing at cost-based rents – and 7,500 jobs, the plans include two new parks, one on the Rhine and one on the Wiese. Together with green front gardens and additional trees, the new parks will give the neighbourhood more green space. The ‘Richtprojekt’ forms the basis for the land-use plan.

Covering just under 30 hectares, the Klybeck site is the largest regeneration site in Basel. The two landowners, Swiss Life and Rhystadt, are prepared to invest over three billion Swiss francs in developing a mixed-use, green neighbourhood in partnership with the canton.

Planning refined and feasibility assessed
Over the past three years, the three planning partners have refined the ‘Städtebauliches Leitbild’ (urban planning model) that they drew up jointly and presented in 2022, assessed its feasibility, made adjustments where necessary, and confirmed it. The concerns and suggestions raised by the public during the consultation process were also taken into account. In particular, the master plan now sets out proposed open spaces and mobility options in detail, and how existing and new buildings will be managed.

“We have the opportunity to work together to create an attractive new part of the city that will contribute to the well-being of the local population and the whole canton,” said the president of the Basel-Stadt cantonal government Conradin Cramer at the unveiling of the ‘Richtprojekt’.

Confirmation of the framework set out in the urban planning model.
The neighbourhood areas defined in the urban planning model and connected via Klybeckplatz – Esplanade, Klybeckhöfe, Klybecksüdspitze, Klybeckmatte, Klybeckplatz Süd, and Mauerstrasse Nord – remain key elements of the master plan. The ground floors of many buildings are to house facilities serving the local community, details of which will be set out in a land-use plan. “The detailed master plan, as it now stands, provides a solid foundation for realising the site’s enormous potential and creating significant, and above all long-term, added value for the local community and the entire region,” said Christian Mutschler of Rhystadt at the public information session on 26 November 2025. Jürgen Friedrichs of Swiss Life added: “The master plan demonstrates how a wide range of objectives – from housing to open space – can be brought together while ensuring that the project remains viable in terms of construction, spatial planning and economics.”

Open spaces and green areas for the neighbourhood
The planned open spaces – two large parks, one on the Rhine and one on the Wiese – will bring new green and recreational areas to the neighbourhood. Wherever possible, existing trees will be preserved or replaced in an appropriate manner and supplemented by a large number of new plantings. The aim is to achieve the greatest possible biodiversity and to connect habitats, so that plant and animal species can migrate and spread. Green front gardens, green facades and unpaved areas are intended to ensure a pleasant climate in the neighbourhood and beyond, even on hot days.

Sustainable mobility and climate-friendly living
The refined transport plan provides for a new tram link between Badischer Bahnhof station and the River Rhine, as well as connections to other development projects in the north of Basel. Cyclists and pedestrians have right of way. Vehicle access is strictly limited. Parking is permitted only in communal garages. The energy supply focuses on renewable sources and is based on a mix of local energy from river water, geothermal probes, solar power, and waste heat recovery, as well as a connection to the municipal district heating network. The timetable and measures for addressing the contamination on the site as part of the regeneration can now be finalised on the basis of the master plan.

Next steps
The ‘Richtprojekt’ forms the basis for the forthcoming land-use plan. “We have reached an important milestone. With this solid foundation, we are moving seamlessly into the next phase,” explained cantonal councillor Esther Keller at the information session. Her Department of Construction and Transport is leading the planning process on behalf of the canton and is now beginning to draw up the development plan and the urban development agreement. The development plan is expected to be finalised in early 2027 and will then be put out for public consultation.