CANTON ACQUIRES SITE
1994
The canton acquires the plots for the construction of the A5 west branch.
CONSTRUCTION OF WEST BRANCH A5 IS STOPPED BY CITIZENS’ MOVEMENT.
2021
The plans were ready, the project was approved in 2014. But then the people of Biel turned against a motorway in the centre of the city - and prevailed against the canton and the federal government.
EMPTY STATE
2023
The two wooden barracks with workshops that are still in working order and the residential building at Unterer Quai 30 are empty. The canton is negotiating with a private individual. There was never a public tender for the canton to release the site for interim use.
OCCUPANCY
7 June 2023
The site is occupied: the canton, city and neighbourhood are informed.
FIRST EVICTION ORDER
9 June 2023
First eviction order for 10 June
BIELER TAGBLATT
12 June 2023
“Sans-Papier in the Direktoren Villa: Biel squatters present their ideas”
Newspaper article (PDF version to come ! )
OPENING OF THE SITE
10 June 2023
More than 800 people visited the site this weekend. Families and children, concerts and information events.
Concerts, vernissages, events to follow.
BIELER TAGBLATT
17 June 2023
“A dark chapter for Biel.
Seasonal workers were housed on the recently occupied Bührer site on Unterer Quai in the last century. The men lived in the barracks under precarious conditions.”
Newspaper article (PDF version to come)
LE COURRIER
Saturday 22 June 2023
Un Squat soulève un lièvre
MEETING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
28 June 2023
Neither the canton nor the city are taking responsibility for an open dialogue with the collective that is revitalising the Bührer site. Instead, it is not unlikely that the canton is secretly negotiating plans for commercial and profit-orientated use.
On Wednesday, we would like to stand together before the city council meeting and have a brief moment of dialogue with the politicians and with you.
NON-PARTISAN POSTULATE
28 June 2023
Non-partisan postulate was submitted, signed by 27 city council members
EVICTION ORDER TO THE POLICE
28 June 2023
Eviction order handed over to police for 2 July
BIELER TAGBLATT
Saturday 1 July 2023
The squatters have received the second eviction order.
CLEANED PACKED. WE LEAVE WITHOUT RESISTANCE
2 July 2023
The former Bührer site sheds a tear of joy: first it was saved from demolition and now it has been revitalised!…
We’re leaving, but we’ll keep fighting. We will not bury our dreams. It must be possible to preserve collective ideas and open spaces. The city centre belongs to everyone. Access to culture and collective progress must no longer be just a question of money.
BIELER TAGBLATT
03 July 2023
“Tidying, cleaning, packing” The squatters on the lower quay leave - and receive an offer to talk.
Newspaper article (PDF version to come)
START OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CANTON
6 July 2023
First meeting with owner Canton and City of Biel. Information that there is another interested party for interim use contract
MEETING WITH OTHER INTERESTED PARTY
17 July 2023
Meeting with other interested party in the presence of the canton
JULY 2023
Decision by our collective that we do not want to merge with other pleader
BIELER TAGBLATT
27 July 2023
Gentrification in Biel “After the Zurich women, the Genevans will come”.
Newspaper article (PDF follows )
ROUND TABLE FOR PROJECT IDEAS
8 August 2023
A first open meeting for all people who have ideas, projects and dreams about how the site could be used.
ROUND TABLE FOR PROJECT IDEAS
29 August 2023
Second round table for project ideas.
DOSSIER TO CANTON
1 August 2023
First dossier sent to canton
MEETING WITH CANTON
12 September 2023
Second meeting with owner canton. (Financing, legal matters, renovation)
BIELER TAGBLATT
Tuesday 26 October 2023
Will the squatters soon be allowed back legally?
Newspaper article (PDF version to follow)
TÉLÉBIELINGUE
04 November 2023
Uncertain future for the Bührer site
How will the Bührer site be used in the future? Both a collective and a Biel/Bienne company show interest.
INFOSTAND
8 October, 2023
Guided walk from Robert-Walser-Platz to Quai du Bas 30, past two ruins of important places of Biel’s subculture, the X-Project and the Labiel. Information on what has happened, the current state of negotiations and the next steps.
FOUNDING OF THE “Quai du Bas 30” ASSOCIATION
November 2023
We actually exist now. Also on paper. As an association. Grassroots democracy. Dänk.
COMMITMENT CONTRACT
January 2024
We get a verbal commitment for the contract !!!
SIGN CONTRACT
28.3.2024
Signing the contract.
START
1.4.2024
Official takeover of the site.