The Council of State has announced a few months ago that Bernex’s development project has been revived. The idea is to turn the district into a secondary hub; Bernex stands in an agricultural area and is located in the suburbs, next to a motorway branch. The site should accomodate more activities, housing and services.

The project plans setting up biotechnological and high technology companies. Is it a realistic possibility? Is it the best site for such a purpose? Which criteria led to the choice of Bernex?

The project also includes the construction of housing, combined with infrastructures for leisure and other services. Good – mixed-use planning like this needs to be promoted. Yet, what will the new residents be like? And, above all, what about the issue of densification – what of the oppositions it will raise?

The introduction of new companies, coupled with the arrival of new residents, will induce a strong mobility demand and, if nothing is done in the matter, traffic nuisances (noise, pollution, congestion) will occur. Will the arrival of the tram line – expected for 2011 – be enough  to limit car traffic? How many parking spaces will be made available for the industries? And also, does the mobility profile of these companies correspond to the accessibility profile of the site, now focussed on the road but soon to be served by the tram?

Speakers

With Robert Kuster, delegate of Economic Development.

Alfredo Scilacci, head of the Service des plans directeurs localisés (Service of localised master plans)

Marie-Paule Mayor, Anita Frei and Christophe Beusch, the office mandated for the project