Ballot boosts culture centre in Bern
Voters have decided to hand over a cultural centre in the heart of the capital, Bern, to resident artists.
Two out of three voters came out in favour of the project on Sunday, while a minority favoured a plan by a corporate developer to turn an old school into a health centre, including offices and a concert venue.
Emotions were running high in the run up because the city parliament included the artist project in the local ballot although the corporate developer had won a competition by the local authorities.
The building has been housing a variety of artist studios over the past few years.
The complex will be on lease to a foundation for SFr2.4 million ($2.1 million) over the next 30 years.
However, there are concerns that the financial resources might be too limited to tackle necessary renovations and pay an agreed annual rent to the city.
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