ThoseDevelopment in Geneva
The state accuses the bioparc of madness of quantities, the refuge considers itself betrayed
The relocation of the bioparc in Belle-Idée turns to psychodrama. Antonio Hodgers denounces a disproportionate project while the refuge deplores a brutal turnaround.
The state claims to discover too commercial aspects in the project, the bioparc believes it has been transparent.
DR
- The Geneva state criticizes the bioparc project for its too commercial aspects.
- The new site provides exotic domes on 3.6 hectares in Belle-Idée.
- Antonio Hodgers opposes infrastructure deemed too luxurious and tourist.
- The management of the bioparc suspends the project until the change of magistrate.
The move of Biopark On the left bank was to be a great opportunity: triple the surface dedicated to animals, replace the dilapidated installations of Bellevue, and strengthen the awareness activities of biodiversity.
This project is part of The Masterplan Belle-Idée, valid By the Council of State in February 2025, which provides for the installation of the refuge on 3.6 hectares with two domes for exotic species, a farm and the flyers. Depending on the calendar, the installation on the site is planned by 2029.
Antonio Hodgers “surprised”
But a prior request for building permit filed in mid-April, which the “Tribune de Genève” was able to consult, changed the situation. In a letter dated June 16 and received on 23 by the bioparc, the State Councilor Antonio Hodgers expresses his “surprise” in the face of a project deemed largely “out of frame”.
The Council of State is surprised to see emerge “a center of skills, conferences, catering, farmer market with parahotelleria, function housing and a veterinary clinic open to the public”, a structure deemed far from “the guiding image” provided for the site, with a hospital and educational vocation.
The Department of Territory (DT) says it has discovered an “ostentatious architecture”, “immersive suites” of more than 100 m² planned to accommodate visitors outside opening hours, an “functional apartment” qualified as “urban villa” with independent garden and studio, several restaurants, underground parking, or even a closed building more than 20 meters high.
In other words, the DT considers that the project hides a logic of tourist attraction under the cover of conservatory mission.
Under these conditions, Antonio Hodgers writes not to be “able to carry the derogations necessary for the project, nor to endorse the conditions of a right of favorable area on land which will remain public”. He calls for a refocusing on “a refuge for animals, with educational aims, with light infrastructure”.
Le Bioparc is said Trahi
A letter that shocked the bioparc management, which considers to face a flip-flop, and vigorously counterattacks. In a statement released on Monday, she accused Antonio Hodgers of wanting to “kill the bioparc before her departure” of the government.
According to refuge officials, state criticisms are unfounded*. “The program of the future bioparc has always understood all the elements of the project now questioned,” said management, ensuring that these infrastructures were already in the plans presented to the Council of State from 2021, within the framework of a project Originally planned on the Domaine de Penthes.
The bioparc goes further. The project planned in Belle-Idée has been developed “in active collaboration with the canton” and validated in several stages, he says. The signing of the prior request by the Cantonal Building Office (OCBA), which depends on the territory department, would be proof.
“Nothing has changed,” insists the management of the bioparc, which sees in this questioning an unexpected reversal. “We have trouble understanding these criticisms,” she adds.
The bioparc also defends the logic of its project. Restaurants? They respond to a request for partners wishing to organize events in “an inspiring place”. Immersive suites? An “original option”, inspired by existing models abroad.
Open crisis between Hodgers and bioparc
As for the official housing, it would be justified by the need for a permanent presence on the site. Management also stresses that the project does not depend on public funds. “The canton will not finance it. We therefore do not understand why he would intervene in the quality of the project, ”she says, recalling that financial balance must be based on donations, contributions and event activities.
Result of the now open conflict: the bioparc puts its project on pause. “We maintain our confidence in the Council of State, but it is broken with the magistrate who will leave his functions very soon,” said the management. She says she wait until he could “regain work with the person who will succeed her”.
*The State Councilor Antonio Hodgers said that he would meet the criticisms of the bioparc in the afternoon. These elements will be added to the article.
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