Green open space on the Papierwerd site in Zurich

May 2024

The development of the Papierwerd site in Zurich has begun. A new open space between the Globusprovisorium and the Mühlesteg offers the public a variety of uses and helps to reduce heat.

A versatile open space has been created on the small square between the Globus Provisorium and the Mühlesteg. This green space invites you to linger with various seating elements and a view of the Limmat. New trees provide shade and pleasant places to sit on sunny days. For this new open space, existing car parks on the forecourt of the Globus Provisorium were removed, the ground unsealed and an innovative green concept established. Temporarily placed trees in so-called “airpots” already provide shade and cooling today and can also be replanted later, which makes the new greenery doubly useful.

Development direction and further measures
This milestone is part of the development direction adopted by the city council for the Papierwerd site (STRB No. 2722/2023). The development direction is based on the “Forum Papierwerd” strategy process and dialogue procedure. The desire for open space was set out in the eleven key statements for the Papierwerd site.

Further immediate measures are planned for 2025. At the same time, as part of the ongoing in-depth phase, the structural clarifications regarding the Globus provisional building will be further advanced, the handling of the conservation value and water protection will be discussed and a rough utilisation and operating concept will be developed.

Integration into the HB/Central masterplan
The development of the Papierwerd site is being closely coordinated with the overarching “HB/Central masterplan” and will be incorporated into it. Consistent findings from both plans, such as the expansion of the open space, the improvement of the quality of stay, access to the Limmat and heat reduction, will be pursued further. With the masterplan, the City of Zurich is developing a vision for the future of the HB/Central area with a time horizon up to 2050 for transport and urban planning in this area. Interested parties are invited to visit the Papierwerd site in person and discover the qualities of the newly created place to stay in the heart of the city. Further information on the history and development of the site can be found on site or on the city’s project website.

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