Today, the Klybeck site is still divided from the Rhine by a fence. Nevertheless, it is already possible to envisage what will be created here one day: an open space the size of a football pitch. Vanessa Prein lets her gaze wander across the area that is currently in temporary use. The Basel-based lawyer knows the area like the back of her hand. After all, she worked at Novartis for many years. Today, Vanessa runs Tanzhaus on the Franck site. “I think it’s wonderful that there will be housing by the water. That’s exactly what the city needs.”
They pass the harbour crane and continue northwards along the Rhine. Youth worker Manuel Raemy points to the freight trains stationed here at the harbour railway yard and says: “With the transformation, the site will become more accessible. For example, by dismantling the tracks.” When they reach the wall that seperates the site from Altrheinweg, the two stop. “Up until now, industrial sites were off-limits to the public,” Vanessa comments. “'When everything will be seamlessly integrated, there will be new quality of life.”
A deserted city
On the former BASF site north of Dreirosenbrücke, the scale of the emerging neighbourhood becomes tangible. Manuel looks around in amazement and says: “It looks like a deserted city. There’s something post-apocalyptic about it.” Vanessa looks up at the high-rise buildings: “It would be a shame if the industrial charm were to disappear.” Between existing structures such as the striking former Novartis tower and new buildings, a promenade-like public space is planned, creating connections and opportunities for encounters. “Sounds metropolitan,” Manuel grins, and adds: “It’s in these shared community spaces that we will see how well people in the neighbourhood connect. It’s important that some groups are not given too much space and others too little. I do, however, see genuine potential for a great community.
As they make their way from Klybeckplatz to Horburgpark and on towards Mauerstrasse, which is characterised by its brick buildings, Manuel says: “I’m curious to see how the construction phases are planned. Usually, people move into the housing before the green spaces are finished.” A commercial zone is planned in the immediate vicinity of Horburgpark. This is where large companies will meet small businesses, and cafés will open alongside boutiques. “Surely, the aim here would be to combine the pleasant with the practical,” Vanessa comments. “A place for lunch and somewhere to have a beer after work would be great,” Manuel reflects. “And if there were a market here on a Saturday morning, I’d be all for it too,” laughs the head of Tanzhaus.
A new park for Basel
Towards Wiesenplatz, a vast concrete area opens up within the existing industrial site. This is where the Klybeckmatte park is planned, which will beas large as the Birsköpfli meadow on the Basel side. The small service building at the centre of the planned green space, now showing its age, is to be converted into a pavilion. “A huge opportunity,” says Manuel, “as long as the espresso doesn’t cost six francs.” Vanessa laughs: “Or at least tastes good.”
Klybeckplatz is not far from Klybeckmatte. Currently a junction, it will soon become the neighbourhood’s most important transport hub, providing direct access to the rest of the city. “In Basel, we have not really succeeded in integrating the different modes of transport harmoniously. It would be great if we could achieve that here,” says Vanessa. Manuel adds, “The functional character is good, but it would be wonderful to have another place where people can sit, relax and spend time.”.
A huge site, a huge opportunity
Over dinner, Vanessa and Manuel reflect on their walk through the Klybeck site. “What struck me again was the sheer scale of it all. I can picture the potential much better now,” the youth worker sums up. “Of course, there are no results to see yet, but I am pleased that such a strong focus on greenery is being planned," says Manuel. Vanessa shares his view. “It’s a huge site, a huge space, a huge opportunity.”
Their hopes for the future of the new neighbourhood? “'I hope it becomes a place that is accessible to a wide range of people in our city,” says Manuel, while Vanessa adds: “I hope Neues Klybeck and Basel will grow together into a genuine whole.”
This article was originally published in klybeckplus magazine and has been slightly shortened for the present publication.
Concept and editorial team: Arbeitsgruppe Kommunikation klybeckplus, everyday Werbeagentur GmbH, Textair GmbH, Cédric Bloch Foto & Film.
