Bernex major project – an urban crossroads with housing and jobs

The vast urban project at Bernex in the Lake Geneva region involves the creation of 1,600 housing units and as many jobs in the first phase. The aim is to create a total of 5,700 new housing units and 5,700 new jobs by 2030, while preserving the region's agricultural identity.

The major Bernex project stretches along the tramway extension and covers almost 120 hectares. The first phase, scheduled for completion in 2030, will see the construction of 1,600 homes and 1,600 jobs in Bernex and 200 homes in Confignon.the project is being planned and implemented in a number of sectors and stages, with the aim of creating a dynamic and integrated urban environment.

Project sectors and areas
The main sectors of the project are the Bernex-Est sector, with the Saint-Mathieu and Grouet neighbourhoods, the Molliers agro-urban park, the Goutte de Saint-Mathieu public facilities and the Rouettes industrial estate. Other sectors include Vailly and Vuillonnex. These sectors will be structured by two urban boulevards, the “Boulevard de Chancy” and the “Boulevard des Abarois”, which will serve the future districts in parallel with the development of public transport.
Housing and employment objectives
The plan provides for the planning of around 2,800 new housing units and 2,550 new jobs in the East sector and Vailly. The cantonal master plan aims to make Bernex a regional hub with a total of 5,700 housing units and jobs. In addition to housing, places for training and culture will be created to meet the needs of future residents and workers.

Preserving the agricultural identity
The project will also extend to farmland in order to preserve and promote local and regional agricultural activity. The Molliers agri-urban park plays a central role in this respect by preserving and enhancing the region’s agricultural identity.

Mobility concept
Several measures are being implemented to promote sustainable mobility. These include a greenway for soft mobility and two park-and-ride facilities to encourage a modal shift from car to public transport, cycling and walking. These measures are essential to reduce through-traffic and improve accessibility to the new neighbourhoods.

Environmental measures and public spaces
A large proportion of the new neighbourhoods will be public, with extensive green spaces. Particular attention will be paid to environmental measures such as networked energy management, rainwater recovery and the development of biodiversity. A network of footpaths will be created by the commune of Bernex to make the open and public spaces accessible to all.
Next steps and timetable
The project’s milestones include the communal vote on the local neighbourhood plan in Vailly on 9 June 2024, the continuation of the project procedure for the Rouettes business park and the delivery of the last residential units in the Saint-Mathieu district in 2024. Planning permission for the Boulevard des Abarois and the Caran d’Ache factory is also expected in 2024. By 2030, the various phases of the project should be completed, including the first houses at Vailly and the completion of the public facilities at the Goutte de Saint-Mathieu training centre.
The Bernex major project is an integral urban planning project that aims to make the region a dynamic and sustainable urban crossroads. By creating new homes and jobs, promoting sustainable mobility and preserving the region’s agricultural identity, the project will make a significant contribution to the region’s economic and social development.