The transformation of this central, well-connected business hub is underway. Rosental Mitte is opening itself to new opportunities. Alongside various conversion projects, the planning application for the demolition of the buildings on the first large construction site at the corner of Maulbeerstrasse and Schwarzwaldallee is in progress. Construction is not expected to begin before mid-2021.

The site will be home to ‘Haus 6’, the first large-scale new-build project to be carried out on the Rosental Mitte site since the municipality purchased the plot. The building is planned as a publicly accessible laboratory, which the University of Basel will rent for about 10 years before the move to the Schällenmätteli site; it will also be leased to third parties. Ground-floor units that will benefit the district and a basement car park are also envisaged.

A single-stage project competition will seek a design that shows innovation from both an architectural and an urban development perspective, and which is able to convince in terms of energy efficiency and comprehensive sustainability. Flexible, forward-looking spatial design will also be a key criterion. Pre-qualification for participation in the project competition has already begun. The winner is expected to be announced in the second half of 2021.