Executive Summary

The Federal Office of Buildings and Logistics (BBL) has submitted a building permit application for the renovation and refurbishment of the heritage-protected administrative building at Bundesgasse 32 in Bern. The project concentrates the office workplaces of the Federal Chancellery at a central location and creates flexible workplaces for 240 employees. Construction costs amount to 27.3 million Swiss francs, with occupancy planned for mid-2029.

Persons

  • Federal Office of Buildings and Logistics (BBL)

Topics

  • Federal Administration
  • Real Estate Projects
  • Federal Chancellery
  • Heritage Preservation
  • Workplace Modernization

Clarus Lead

The BBL has submitted a building permit application for the renovation of the administrative building at Bundesgasse 32 to the City of Bern. The project aims to centralize organizational units of the Federal Chancellery and create modern workplace structures. The heritage-protected property will be structurally adapted, with the ground floor and roof stories being renovated for flexible collaborative work forms. The commitment credit will be submitted to Parliament with the Real Estate Message 2026.

Detailed Summary

The administrative building at Bundesgasse 32 is currently occupied by several units of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), which will relocate to Zollikofen. After completion of the renovation work from mid-2029 onwards, a large portion of the organizational units of the Federal Chancellery are to be concentrated at this location. This will enable improved collaboration and more efficient administrative processes.

The renovation takes into account the heritage protection status of the property. The ground floor and both roof stories will be structurally renovated for contemporary work forms and will offer flexible workplaces for 240 employees upon completion. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027. With total costs of 27.3 million Swiss francs, the project is classified as a significant investment in federal infrastructure and requires a commitment credit from the Swiss Federal Parliament.

Key Statements

  • The BBL has submitted a building permit application for renovation and refurbishment of Bundesgasse 32
  • The goal is to centralize Federal Chancellery workplaces at one location starting in 2029
  • The heritage-protected building will be carefully renovated with modern workplace structures for 240 employees
  • Construction begins January 2027, occupancy mid-2029, costs 27.3 million Swiss francs
  • Commitment credit will be submitted to Parliament with Real Estate Message 2026

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality: Is the cost forecast of 27.3 million Swiss francs based on current market prices and construction cost benchmarks, or could inflation risks increase total costs?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: What criteria led to the selection of Bundesgasse 32 as the centralization location – was an independent site analysis conducted, or were political/administrative factors decisive?

  3. Causality: To what extent will spatial centralization actually lead to better collaboration, or could digital solutions achieve similar effects at lower costs?

  4. Feasibility: What risks exist in renovating a heritage-protected building – could unforeseen defects lead to delays or cost overruns?

  5. Side Effects: What impact will the relocation of FDFA units to Zollikofen have on their operational efficiency and coordination with other federal agencies?

  6. Transparency: Will the detailed plans and environmental impact assessments be publicly accessible, and how will the public be involved in the process?

Sources

Primary Source: Press Release: Building Permit Application for the Renovation and Refurbishment of the Administrative Building at Bundesgasse 32 in Bern – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/rhuom7hjFRkZPXMqVHy_2

Verification Status: ✓ February 10, 2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: February 10, 2026