An important milestone for the future development of uptownBasel
Together with the Canton of Basel-Landschaft and the Municipality of Arlesheim, uptownBasel has successfully completed a multi-stage process covering land ownership and the “Untere Weiden II” development plan. The agreements create important conditions for the continued transformation of the site into an international competence center for Industry 4.0.
With the approval of the development plan by the Government Council of Basel-Landschaft, a key planning process for the uptownBasel site has now been formally completed.
The milestone is the result of close cooperation between uptownBasel, the Canton of Basel-Landschaft and the Municipality of Arlesheim.
Consolidating the uptownBasel site
As part of the process, uptownBasel acquired approximately 7,000 square meters of land from the Canton of Basel-Landschaft.
This included a plot in the south-western section of the site that had previously been used under a building lease. With the acquisition, uptownBasel became the owner of the entire campus perimeter.
Three additional smaller plots along the western boundary were also acquired. These areas will help create a connection between the uptownBasel campus and the natural landscape along the River Birs.
The consolidation of the land was an important prerequisite for the next stage of the planning process.
“Untere Weiden II” development plan approved
Following the land transactions, uptownBasel and the Municipality of Arlesheim were able to conclude the agreement governing the implementation of the “Untere Weiden II” development plan.
The plan had already received strong support from the Arlesheim municipal assembly in March 2022, with around 85 percent voting in favour.
On June 27, 2023, the Government Council of Basel-Landschaft formally approved the development plan, bringing the planning procedure to a successful conclusion.
Among other elements, the agreement secures the land required for the future Talstrasse along the eastern boundary of the uptownBasel site.
Creating the foundations for long-term development
For uptownBasel, the completion of the planning process represents much more than an administrative milestone.
Clear ownership structures and long-term planning certainty are essential for developing a campus of this scale. They provide the foundation for future buildings, infrastructure, public spaces and connections to the surrounding area.
The agreements therefore create important conditions for the continued development of the approximately 70,000-square-meter site in Arlesheim.
Planning the campus as part of its surroundings
The development of uptownBasel is closely connected to the wider transformation of the area.
Alongside new spaces for technology companies, research, production and collaboration, the planning process also considers transport infrastructure, connections to the surrounding landscape and future public uses.
As part of the agreements, uptownBasel has also granted the Canton of Basel-Landschaft a purchase option for an area in the southern part of the campus. Subject to the necessary political approvals, the site is intended for a future new building for the Basel-Landschaft cantonal police.
The cantonal police already uses space in existing buildings at uptownBasel. The planned new building would provide a long-term solution as the campus continues to evolve.
Another step in the transformation of uptownBasel
Developing an innovation campus is not only about attracting companies and introducing new technologies. It also requires a long-term vision for land, infrastructure and the relationship between the campus and its surroundings.
The successful completion of the “Untere Weiden II” planning process provides this foundation.
Together with the Canton of Basel-Landschaft and the Municipality of Arlesheim, uptownBasel has reached another important milestone on the way towards transforming the historic Schoren site into a connected, internationally oriented center for industry and innovation.
