Work on the replacement for the Heuwaage high-rise building (Steinenvorstadt 77/79) will begin at the start of the year. Once the construction site has been set up and the building has been gutted, dismantling of the existing building will begin and continue until the end of 2026.
On behalf of the owner, Basellandschaftliche Pensionskasse (blpk), its representative Adimmo AG will implement a contemporary new building, the Heuwaage high-rise, over the next five years based on the 2017 study assignment. blpk is investing around CHF 92 million in the dismantling of the existing building and the modern new construction. Allreal Generalunternehmung AG will oversee the project as the main contractor.
Work to begin at the end of January 2026 – occupancy expected in early 2031
The plan is to start demolition of the existing building at the end of January 2026. This work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. If all goes well, excavation of the construction pit for the new building can begin in early 2027. The Heuwaage high-rise building is expected to be ready for occupancy in early 2031.
The building owner is committed to minimising the impact on the neighbourhood and the surrounding area during construction. Nevertheless, certain emissions and restrictions cannot be avoided. Among other things, the current passage from Steinenvorstadt to the Birsig car park will be closed to cars for the entire duration of the works. Access to all surrounding properties will be guaranteed. For safety reasons, the parking spaces in the Birsig car park, which are located right next to the current high-rise building, will be removed.
The following traffic management plan has been devised for the demolition of the existing building, in consultation with the authorities: Trucks will access the construction site via the Birsig car park. Demolition material will be transported away via Steinenvorstadt towards the Heuwaage viaduct. Until the lower connecting building at Steinenvorstadt 77 has been demolished, empty lorries will occasionally enter the construction site from Steinenvorstadt and exit via the same route. Safety will be ensured at all times. If necessary, any impact on through traffic at Heuwaage will be signposted in good time.
Urban redevelopment
Since its completion in 1955, the high-rise building has been a defining feature of the Heuwaage cityscape in Basel. Seven decades later, the building has exceeded its life cycle. Following an in-depth examination, it was deemed unfeasible to renovate the building, and in 2017 a study commission was carried out to explore the urban potential of a new building.
Designed by architects Miller & Maranta, the new high-rise building will enhance the urban landscape at Heuwaage. Accessible from all sides, the ground floor features a plaza area facing Steinenvorstadt and marks the beginning of the urban development of the Heuwaage area and the entire Birsigbogen.
With its specific shape, the pentagonal new building acts as a tall structure between the city centre and the surrounding neighbourhoods and blends into the city skyline. The building’s lattice-like structure allows for a certain degree of permeability, establishing a connection to the historic high points of the old town.
From the beginning of 2031, the new 21-storey building will provide retail space, restaurants and offices, as well as 66 contemporary rental apartments of various sizes. Find out More