The Canton of Zurich intends to redevelop the joint research and health cluster of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), the University Hospital Zurich and the University of Zurich. This will involve increasing the floor area of the three institutions from the current 870,000 square metres by up to 320,000 square metres. Existing buildings will be demolished and replaced by higher buildings.
While the construction projects are exoected to have a negative impact on the cityscape, the Federal Council has concluded that the district’s use for education, research and health is of “national importance” and that the growth of ETH Zurich is of “the utmost importance” for the Confederation. It has also found that the central university district plan corresponds to the need for densification as required by the Spatial Planning Act.
The Federal Council has therefore decided that these interests have greater weight than the need to preserve the cityscape, and it has now approved the adjustment of the cantonal structure plan. This fundamental decision cannot be challenged in later construction investment applications to the University of Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich.
