Around six months ago, the planning partners – the canton of Basel-Stadt, Swiss Life, and Rhystadt – presented the ‘Städtebauliches Leitbild klybeckplus’ (urban planning model), which forms the basis for the ongoing transformation of the Klybeck site into a green, mixed-use, climate-friendly urban neighbourhood. We are pleased to give you an insight into the work currently under way and a preview of what is to come in the coming months.

If the klybeckplus intergenerational project were a child, it would now be on the cusp of starting secondary school. It will be some time yet before it comes of age, but one of the most important projects in Basel’s urban development is steadily progressing. These are the main topics currently being worked on (see also the website for an overview):

During the preliminary phase of land-use planning, the authorities – in consultation with the landowners – further refine the planning principles in the areas of transport, open and green spaces, infrastructure/energy/water, heritage conservation, noise protection, site contamination, climate, chemical safety, biosafety, and urban development. This work is being carried out on an interdepartmental basis under the leadership and coordination of the Basel-Stadt Department of Construction and Transport.

A neighbourhood development initiative will give interested members of the public the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the transformation and the new neighbourhood. The Basel-Stadt Department of Presidential Affairs is leading this initiative and involving all relevant cantonal departments as well as the public.

Work on the Klybeck-Kleinhüningen district master plan is proceeding in parallel with the planning for the Klybeck site, while keeping northern Basel as a whole in mind. The process is being led by the Department of Construction and Transport.

Land-use planning – from vision to concrete plan
The preliminary phase of land-use planning is carried out in mixed working groups comprising representatives from the planning partners – the canton of Basel-Stadt, Swiss Life, Rhystadt – as well as experts who are consulted on a case-by-case basis. One specific example is the feasibility study is being carried out on the ‘sponge city’ concept with a view to creating a climate-friendly and resource-efficient neighbourhood. The study is examining the requirements for collecting and storing rainwater locally, rather than simply channelling and draining it away.

All the findings from the areas mentioned are incorporated into the development of the urban planning model and then form the basis for the cantonal land-use plan, which subsequently leads to the local development plan. This whole process will take about two more years. As things stand, the planning partners expect the local development plan to be published in mid-2025.

Neighbourhood development plan – actively shaping the future
The neighbourhood development initiative ‘Quartierenwticklung klybeckplus’ (QEK) complements urban planning issues with social, economic, environmental and socio-cultural aspects. Between June 2023 and March 2024, under the leadership of the Cantonal and City Development Division of the Department of Presidential Affairs, topics such as open space, (social) culture and leisure, mobility (for a low-traffic neighbourhood), living/working, and neighbourhood-oriented uses will be discussed, with objectives, strategies and measures set out for the phased implementation of these areas. The date for the first dialogue workshop has already been set:

Monday, 12 June 2023, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Klybeck site; topic: ‘Open space’

Further information on QEK is now also available at quartierentwicklung-klybeckplus.ch

Klybeck-Kleinhüningen district master plan
The Klybeck and Kleinhüningen neighbourhoods are undergoing change, with the development projects in the port area and in the Klybeck district bringing a new part of the city to life. The upcoming changes raise some fundamental questions. How can we successfully blend the new and the old? What is needed to ensure that today’s neighbourhoods and their residents benefit as much as possible from the changes? The answers to these questions can only be found through a well-coordinated effort involving the planning process and all those involved. In order to coordinate the developments as a whole and ensure that the relevant spatial projects are properly aligned, the canton is drawing up a district master plan for the Kleinhüningen and Klybeck neighbourhoods that highlights the links and interrelationships between the various planning processes for both policymakers and the general public. The development of the district master plan is also an important process of communication and public consultation. Local residents, property owners, businesses and organisations can contribute their knowledge and raise their concerns. The first opportunity to do so will be at the information session on 17 April 2023, which you are warmly invited to attend:

Information and public participation event on the Klybeck-Kleinhüningen urban development project
Monday, 17 April 2023, 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.), Gondrand building, Uferstrasse 70

Following a welcome address by cantonal councillor and head of the Department of Construction and Transport, Esther Keller, and a presentation by representatives of the canton, there will be workshops and panel discussions on specific topics. We would like to hear your views.

This will be followed by drinks. Please register at www.klybeck-kleinhüningen.ch
The Klybeck site and the north of Basel are looking to the future. We are delighted for you to join us.