Bern's 31M franc renovation plan displaces 84 households by 2027

The City of Bern has announced major renovations for 84 municipal apartments in the Bern-West district. Tenants in the affected buildings have received vacancy notices, with construction set to start in stages from 2027. The project will cost an estimated 31 million Swiss francs and reduce the total number of apartments to 72 once complete.

The renovations will cover four locations: Zelgstrasse 18–22, Melchiorstrasse 9, Huberstrasse 18/20, and Looslistrasse 37/39. Work will include upgrades to building exteriors, new heating systems, balcony installations, solar panel additions, and accessibility improvements.

Displaced tenants will receive support from the city, including housing counselling and reference letters. However, it remains unclear how many of the 84 affected households have secured alternative accommodation. The final approval for the project and tenant displacement plans now rests with the city council and parliament.

Once finished, a significant portion of the remaining 72 apartments will qualify as subsidised housing. Construction is expected to proceed in phases throughout 2027, with funding already requested at 31 million Swiss francs.

The renovations will transform the selected buildings while reducing the overall number of apartments. Tenants facing displacement will rely on city assistance to find new homes. The project's future now depends on the upcoming decisions from Bern's city council and parliament.