Grindelwald Municipal Council Advances Schoolhouse Rezoning and Infrastructure Upgrades

The Grindelwald Municipal Council has officially opened the public consultation period for the rezoning of the former Bussalp schoolhouse, while simultaneously rejecting a proposed planning zone intended to regulate affordable housing. According to the [official municipal records from July 2026](https://www.grindelwald.swiss), the council will continue to investigate alternative strategies to manage the local housing market, specifically addressing the balance between primary and secondary residences.

Rezoning of the Bussalp Schoolhouse

The Bussalp schoolhouse has remained vacant since the implementation of the 2019 school space strategy, which rendered the building unnecessary for educational purposes. Despite previous attempts to find a viable new use for the property, the structure has stayed dormant.

In 2023, the council initially approved a zoning plan amendment to facilitate the building’s sale. Following formal requirements mandated by the Office for Municipalities and Spatial Planning (*Amt für Gemeinden und Raumordnung*), the council, on the request of the Commission for Building and Planning, has now finalized the documentation for public review. This move marks the next step in the municipality’s effort to divest from the underutilized asset.

Decision Against a General Planning Zone

While the council had previously evaluated the implementation of a comprehensive planning zone covering the entire municipal territory to prioritize affordable housing, it has ultimately decided against this measure. The proposed zone aimed to provide a legal framework for restricting secondary residences and regulating short-term rental properties.

After weighing the potential impacts and practical implications, the council concluded that a blanket planning zone was not the appropriate tool at this time. Officials have stated that the search for alternative methods to achieve their housing objectives—specifically the promotion of primary residences and the limitation of holiday homes—remains an ongoing priority.

Infrastructure and Social Project Funding

The municipal council has authorized several financial credits to support local infrastructure and social initiatives. These decisions are subject to the standard procedures for financial oversight:

* Road Maintenance: A supplementary credit of 45’000 Swiss francs has been approved for the second phase of road surfacing work on Grabenstrasse and Sametweg. This follows an initial allocation of 299’000 francs from the 2026 budget’s total 450’000-franc allowance for municipal road repairs.
* Wastewater Treatment (ARA): The council approved a 20’000-franc project credit for roof renovations at the ARA Grindelwald facility. Additionally, an object credit of 300’000 francs was granted to replace the facility’s screening system, screenings press, and strain press.
* School Cleaning Equipment: A supplementary credit of 54’000 francs was authorized to procure new cleaning equipment for municipal school buildings.
* Social Support: Following a recommendation from the Social Commission, the council pledged 10’000 francs to the “Ahorn” social project, operated by the Seeburg social enterprise based in Interlaken.

The road maintenance and wastewater treatment investments remain subject to a potential optional referendum. The council’s focus for the remainder of the year will be on refining housing policy and overseeing the execution of these authorized infrastructure projects.