Aeschen’s Future: Suburb Vision
- BASEL - The Basel government has greenlit a CHF 17 million project to revamp the Aeschenvorstadt area, with a focus on enhancing the pedestrian experience.
- The redesign includes the return of the jakobs fountain to Aeschenvorstadt.
- The “Bankverein” tram stop will be reconfigured to allow for continuous boarding and alighting.
Basel’s Aeschenvorstadt to Undergo CHF 17 Million Redesign, Prioritizing Pedestrians
Table of Contents
- Basel’s Aeschenvorstadt to Undergo CHF 17 Million Redesign, Prioritizing Pedestrians
- Basel City Projects: Redesigning for Pedestrians and Enhancing Public Spaces
- What is the Basel government undertaking in terms of urban progress?
- Aeschenvorstadt Redesign: What are the key highlights?
- What is the purpose of the fountain’s return to Aeschenvorstadt?
- How will tram stops be improved in the Aeschenvorstadt redesign?
- How will cyclists be accommodated in the new design?
- What other areas are being improved?
- Which alleys are included in the redesign project?
- What will the alley redesigns entail?
- Summary of Key Changes:
BASEL – The Basel government has greenlit a CHF 17 million project to revamp the Aeschenvorstadt area, with a focus on enhancing the pedestrian experience.
Future Aeschenvorstadt to feature round benches and green spaces.
Visualization: ZVG/canton BS
The redesign includes the return of the jakobs fountain to Aeschenvorstadt. Originally located there from 1390 to 1953, it was later moved to Hermann Kinkelin-Strasse. the fountain will be reinstated at the corner of Elisabethenstrasse and Aeschenvorstadt. Plans also call for the installation of two additional fountains near the BKB branch and at the “Bankverein” tram stop.
More Space for Pedestrians
The “Bankverein” tram stop will be reconfigured to allow for continuous boarding and alighting. The city-center-bound stop will be relocated directly to the banking club, while the Aeschenplatz-bound stop will be positioned closer to Aeschenplatz. This adjustment aims to prevent tram congestion on Steinenberg by allowing a second tram to queue behind the first.
Aeschenvorstadt as it appears today, featuring the Banking Club.
Image: ZVG/canton of Basel-Stadt
The tram stop will be situated directly at the banking club in the future.
visualization: ZVG/Canton Basel-Stadt
cyclists can continue using the three-metre-wide lane around the stop islands. However, in the rest of Aeschenvorstadt, cyclists will share the lane with trams and delivery vehicles to maximize pedestrian space.Overtaking of trams by bicycles, and vice versa, will still be permitted.
While a planned lifting compartment may not be ideal for cyclists, there are some benefits. Cyclists will be able to access Aeschenplatz, and the number of bicycle parking spaces in Aeschenvorstadt will increase from 100 to 170.
old Town Alleys to Become More Pedestrian-friendly
The Basel government council plans to invest an additional 4.2 million CHF in redesigning several alleys. This includes Schafgässlein and Lindenberg in Kleinbasel, and Imber, Pepper, Stone Bachgässlein, and Stänzlergasse in Grossbasel.
These alleys will be enhanced with greenery and, in some cases, an asphalt strip in the center. The goal is to create “even more attractive,pedestrian-friendly old town alleys,” according to the government council,guided by the city center design concept.
Basel City Projects: Redesigning for Pedestrians and Enhancing Public Spaces
What is the Basel government undertaking in terms of urban progress?
The Basel government is investing in several projects focused on improving pedestrian experiences and enhancing public spaces. This includes a significant redesign of the Aeschenvorstadt area and the renovation of several old town alleys.
Aeschenvorstadt Redesign: What are the key highlights?
The aeschenvorstadt project, with a budget of CHF 17 million, prioritizes pedestrian needs. Key elements include:
- The Jakob’s fountain: The fountain, originally present from 1390 to 1953, will be reinstated at the corner of Elisabethenstrasse and Aeschenvorstadt.
- Additional Fountains: Two new fountains will be installed near the BKB branch and at the “Bankverein” tram stop.
- Tram Stop Reconfiguration: The “Bankverein” tram stop will be redesigned for continuous boarding and alighting. The city-center-bound stop will move closer to the banking club, while the Aeschenplatz-bound stop will be adjusted to alleviate congestion.
- Cyclist Provisions: Cyclists can continue to use a three-meter-wide lane around stop islands. In other areas, they’ll share lanes with trams and delivery vehicles to maximize pedestrian space. Overtaking of trams by bikes and vice versa will be permitted. bicycle parking spaces will increase from 100 to 170.
What is the purpose of the fountain’s return to Aeschenvorstadt?
The return of the Jakob’s Fountain, a past landmark, is part of the city’s effort to revitalize the area and restore elements of its historical character.
How will tram stops be improved in the Aeschenvorstadt redesign?
The “Bankverein” tram stop will be reconfigured to allow for more efficient passenger flow. The aim is to relocate the stops to improve boarding and alighting, reduce traffic congestion, and create a better experiance for tram users.
How will cyclists be accommodated in the new design?
Cyclists will maintain a dedicated lane around stop islands. In other parts of Aeschenvorstadt, they will share the lane with trams and delivery vehicles.Despite potential drawbacks of a planned lifting compartment, cyclists will retain access to Aeschenplatz, and bicycle parking spaces will increase.
What other areas are being improved?
Beyond Aeschenvorstadt, the Basel government is investing an additional CHF 4.2 million to redesign several alleys in Kleinbasel and grossbasel.
Which alleys are included in the redesign project?
The alleys included in the redesign are:
- Schafgässlein and Lindenberg in Kleinbasel.
- Imberg, Pepper, Stone, Bachgässlein, and Stänzlergasse in Grossbasel.
What will the alley redesigns entail?
The alley redesigns will emphasize pedestrian-friendliness, incorporating greenery and, in some cases, asphalt strips in the center. The goal is to create more attractive public spaces, guided by the city center design concept.
Summary of Key Changes:
| Area | Key Enhancement | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Aeschenvorstadt | Fountains | Jakob’s Fountain return; 2 new fountains added |
| Aeschenvorstadt | Tram Stops | Reconfigured for continuous boarding; relocated stops |
| Aeschenvorstadt | Cyclist Access | Maintain 3m lane around islands, share lanes elsewhere, increase parking |
| Old Town Alleys | Pedestrian Improvements | Greenery additions; asphalt strips (where applicable) |