Bellinzona Town Hall and Collegiate Church to become more accessible: CHF 1.385 million investment

Contesto

The Municipality of Bellinzona has submitted a credit request for 1.285 million francs to eliminate architectural barriers at Palazzo Civico, while an additional 100,000 francs has been allocated for the Collegiate Church of San Pietro. The works have been approved by the Municipal Council and will be completed by 2026, with a total funding exceeding five times the amount initially envisaged solely for the Town Hall in 2020. ### The project for Palazzo Civico: elevator refurbishment and lifting platform The solution initially approved in 2020 involved installing a new elevator inside the shaft between the main staircase and the office corridors. However, this option was discarded due to the fragility of the historic glass panels on the main staircase. The revised plan now includes refurbishing the existing elevator shaft, ensuring the same transport capacity but with a less invasive intervention. Additionally, a lifting platform will be installed to access the portico on the second floor, replacing the temporary platform currently positioned on the main staircase. The ground-floor restrooms will also be updated to comply with current accessibility standards for people with motor disabilities. ### Accessibility to the Collegiate Church: two solutions for the forecourt and nave For the Collegiate Church of San Pietro, the Municipality has requested an additional credit of 100,000 francs to install a lifting platform in the shaft between the church and an adjacent building. This system will enable access to the forecourt level, while a translating platform will connect this level to the nave of the church. Modifications to the original project, initially approved for 260,000 francs, were necessary following technical assessments that highlighted the need to adjust cert...

Dettagli operativi

For cross-border workers employed in Bellinzona or visiting the city for professional reasons, the ongoing accessibility works represent a tangible improvement in urban livability. However, during the construction phase, there may be temporary inconveniences related to pedestrian routes and access to municipal offices. Here’s what changes compared to the current situation and what is planned for the future. ### Before vs. after: practical comparison Before the works: - Civic Palace: access to the second floor was restricted to those without mobility issues due to an outdated elevator and the absence of platform lifts. Ground-floor restrooms did not fully comply with accessibility standards. - Collegiate Church: the forecourt and nave were only accessible via stairs, effectively excluding people with disabilities. After the works: - Civic Palace: full access to all floors via a modern elevator and a platform lift for the portico. Ground-floor restrooms will meet accessibility standards. - Collegiate Church: barrier-free access to the forecourt and nave, thanks to platform lifts and a translifter. ### Timelines and procedures during construction Work is set to begin in 2026 and is expected to last several months. During this period, the Municipality has announced that: - Alternative routes will be provided for access to municipal offices. - Informational signs will be installed to indicate accessible paths. - The Collegiate Church will remain open to the public, with controlled access to the construction site. ### Impact on cross-border workers For transborder commuters who frequent Bellinzona for work, the construction works will have minimal impact on daily routines, provided they plan their trips in advance. It is advisable to: - Check the opening hours of munic...

Punti chiave

If you're a cross-border worker or visitor in Bellinzona, here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of the new accessibility features and avoiding any disruptions during the construction work. ### 1. Check the opening hours of municipal offices During the construction work at Palazzo Civico, some offices may have reduced hours or alternative routes. To avoid surprises: - Visit the official Bellinzona Municipality website (bellinzona.ch) for updates on construction sites. - Download the municipal app (if available) to receive real-time notifications. - Call the relevant office directly (e.g., registry, building permits) to confirm opening hours. > ⚠️ Warning: Some offices may be temporarily relocated. Always check before heading to Palazzo Civico. ### 2. Plan your visit to the Collegiate Church of San Pietro The Collegiate Church will remain open for worship, but access to the forecourt and nave may be limited during construction. To visit safely: - Check mass times on the Bellinzona parish website. - Use the side entrance (if accessible) to avoid the main construction area. - Avoid lingering near construction zones, even for photos. ### 3. Use alternative routes for getting around Construction at Palazzo Civico and the Collegiate Church may affect traffic in Bellinzona’s historic center. Here are some alternatives: - Bellinzona Sud Parking (A2 exit Bellinzona): connected to the city center by urban buses (lines 1, 2, 4). - Pedestrian route from Piazza Governo: access Palazzo Civico via Via San Gottardo. - Taxis or shared mobility services (e.g., BlaBlaCar Daily) to bypass city-center traffic. ### 4. Request assistance if needed If you have specific accessibility needs (e.g., mobility disabilities), the Bellinzona Municipality’s Social Services can provi...

Punti chiave

{"q":"When will the works at Palazzo Civico and Collegiata officially start?","a":"The works are scheduled to begin in 2026, though the exact start date has not yet been announced by the Municipality. The City Council has confirmed they will commence within the year, with an estimated duration of several months."},{"q":"Will the public restrooms at Palazzo Civico remain accessible during the works?","a":"During the construction period, the ground-floor restrooms at Palazzo Civico will be upgraded to meet accessibility standards. However, some areas may be temporarily closed for renovation. It is advisable to check with the Municipality before visiting the office."},{"q":"Can I request a special permit to access areas not affected by the construction sites?","a":"Yes, the Municipality of Bellinzona allows special permits for accessing zones unaffected by the works. Requests can be submitted via email to accessibilita@bellinzona.ch or by phone at +41 91 821 21 11."},{"q":"Are there tax benefits for cross-border workers in Bellinzona who require accessibility solutions?","a":"Currently, no specific tax benefits are planned for cross-border workers in relation to accessibility works. However, the Canton of Ticino offers subsidies for adapting homes to accessibility standards. For details, consult the Ticino Cantonal Chancellery website under the 'Accessibility and Disability' section."},{"q":"How can I report any inconveniences during the works at Palazzo Civico or Collegiata?","a":"You can report issues or suggestions through the online form on the Bellinzona Municipality website ([bellinzona.ch/segnalazioni), via the municipal app (if available), or in person at the municipal office counter."}]

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