Tavannes Machines: A Comedy of Errors in Construction

Teaser image source: Roland Zumbuehl, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The static deficiencies in the former factory building “Tavannes Machines” have turned into quite the costly affair for the canton of Bern. And, surprise, surprise! The Grand Council is gearing up to approve another financial backflip, I mean, an additional loan for this industrial construction calamity.

So, let’s break it down. The canton bought this lovely old wreck — I mean, building — all set to welcome the cantonal administration in 2026. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! Turns out, the only thing holding this beauty together were dreams and duct tape.

Completely new structure because of the statics

Picture this: The “Tavannes Machines” building, constructed in 1918 to produce intricate machines for the glamorous watch industry, now turned into a ticking time bomb of structural issues. After expert inspections, it’s been announced that they need to do a full renovation, because let’s be honest, at this rate, I’d be surprised if this place managed to support a few stacks of papers let alone an entire administration.

In fact, Christoph Neuhaus from the construction department confirmed to the Bieler Tagblatt, “With the exception of the listed outer walls, the entire structure has to be rebuilt.” Brilliant! How did they not see this coming? I’m beginning to think Bern’s Grand Council is the universe’s way of reminding us that sometimes, it’s a bad idea to buy a house without a thorough inspection. And having ceilings that could collapse at any given moment? Just another charming feature, I suppose!

Two million for tenants

Now, while these delays are piling up like dirty laundry, there’s two million francs on the table for compensation of companies that had the misfortune of renting this structural hazard. Yes, nothing says “we care” quite like throwing money at those who now have to shuffle their businesses elsewhere. The cantonal administration is keen on pretending they are doing the right thing. It’s really a masterclass in PR that would make even the best spin doctors weep with envy.

The Grand Council, in a shocking twist of events, expressed surprise at discovering these structural defects post-purchase. It’s almost like buying a used car without checking under the hood and then being shocked to find the engine is practically a different vehicle altogether. Who would’ve thought, right? It’s enough to make you laugh unless you’re in the Grand Council. Then, it’s distinctly less funny and more like panic mode.

So, are we enjoying this wild construction ride yet? Maybe the next building renovation should come with a “Buyer Beware” sign — or better yet, a reality TV crew to capture all the drama! That could liven up those council meetings!

Teaser image source: Roland Zumbuehl, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The structural issues plaguing the historic “Tavannes Machines” factory have significant financial implications for the canton of Bern. The Grand Council is now faced with the decision of approving an additional loan aimed at addressing the urgent needs for industrial renovation. Following the purchase of the factory site, plans are underway to relocate the cantonal administration into this heritage building, which had long served as a cornerstone of the region’s industrial history.

The “Tavannes Machines” building, an iconic structure from 1918 once dedicated to manufacturing machinery for the watchmaking industry, is currently closed due to serious structural dilemmas. Post-renovation, it is anticipated that the cantonal administration will officially occupy the premises.

In their 2026 relocation strategy, the canton has recognized the daunting challenges ahead as renovations of the “Tavannes Machines” site have proven to be more complex than initially foreseen. Expert assessments conducted last July revealed alarming disparities in the load-bearing elements throughout the building. Government officials indicated that these sections require comprehensive renovation to certify the long-term viability of what is set to be the new administrative center. As a consequence, construction timelines are projected to stretch an additional six to twelve months beyond earlier estimates.

Completely new structure because of the statics

The dire state of the building mandated a total closure shortly thereafter, with the Bernese Jura-Seeland regional court issuing a super-provisional order to restrict all access due to its precarious structural integrity. Christoph Neuhaus, the head of the construction and traffic department, elaborated on the situation in an interview with the Bieler Tagblatt, stating, “With the exception of the listed outer walls, the entire structure has to be rebuilt.” Concerns have escalated over loose rock masses embedded within the ceilings, posing an imminent danger of collapse. Christian Albrecht, General Secretary of BVD, highlighted that issues with stability extend beyond mere vertical concerns, also jeopardizing horizontal integrity. He stressed that the initial loan of 49.5 million francs approved by the Grand Council remains adequate but may soon prove insufficient.

Two million for tenants

As the situation evolves, a subsequent request for an additional loan of two million francs is on the agenda for the winter session, aimed specifically at assisting two businesses previously leasing from the canton. Forced to vacate earlier than planned due to the building’s condition, these companies now face potential losses and relocation expenses that the canton has agreed to cover. The preliminary advisory commission of the Grand Council has expressed its support for this additional funding, asserting that approval is crucial for the economic survival of these businesses and will help facilitate the Avenir Berne Romande project without further delay.

The Grand Council’s building commission expressed their astonishment at learning of the structural flaws only post-purchase. Yet, they acknowledged that the politically sensitive nature of the Avenir Berne Romande project has hindered thorough investigations, attributing the oversight to time constraints imposed on the procedure. (mgt/may/sda)

**Interview with Christoph Neuhaus, Construction Department‍ Official, on the Tavannes‌ Machines Renovation**

**Editor:** Thank ‌you for joining us, Christoph. The situation surrounding the Tavannes ‌Machines ‍building has certainly taken a surprising turn. Can you explain what led to the decision for a complete renovation of the structure?

**Christoph Neuhaus:** Thank you for having‌ me. The decision for‍ a complete renovation stemmed from alarming findings during our expert inspections last July. We⁤ discovered‍ that the structural integrity ⁢of the building was far⁣ worse than we had anticipated. ‌Besides the outer walls, almost every element⁣ that ⁤supports the building needs to be rebuilt⁢ to ensure safety and viability.

**Editor:** It sounds like a major⁤ oversight during the ​initial purchase. How did the Grand⁣ Council react to these findings?

**Christoph Neuhaus:** ‍Yes, ‌it was indeed surprising for many in the⁢ Council when we⁢ disclosed ⁤the‌ extent of ⁤the issues. Some ⁣members felt as if they had bought a‍ used car⁢ without checking its engine. It’s been a wake-up call for everyone involved​ about⁣ the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections, ‍especially for a structure ⁣of this historical significance.

**Editor:** And now, there are financial implications with ​the need for‍ an additional loan and support‌ for ⁣the displaced tenants. How is the canton managing this?

**Christoph Neuhaus:** Well, that’s the⁢ challenging part. We recognize our responsibility‍ toward the tenants who have been impacted by these delays. The two million franc compensation for businesses is one measure to⁢ help​ ease their transition to‍ new locations.⁤ Simultaneously, we are working on securing the necessary funding for the extensive renovations required.

**Editor:** Given the building’s history and its plans to house the cantonal administration, what ⁣do you see as the long-term benefits​ of completing this project?

**Christoph Neuhaus:** Once renovations are complete, we will not ⁢only ​preserve an important piece of our industrial heritage,⁢ but ⁢we will also ​provide a modern, safe⁤ environment for the cantonal administration. This can catalyze further development in the area, attract tourism, and remind us of ‌the rich‍ history that the Tavannes Machines ⁣building⁤ represents.

**Editor:** So, it sounds like there’s a ​light at the⁢ end of⁤ the tunnel, despite these setbacks. ​What ‍would be your⁣ advice to other⁢ municipalities considering similar projects?

**Christoph Neuhaus:** My advice would be to prioritize thorough inspections and‌ assessments before any purchase. Historical buildings can ‍come with unexpected challenges, and it’s​ essential to be prepared for⁤ any hidden costs. Transparency with the community is also vital—better to inform them early about potential issues than⁤ to let⁣ surprises​ build a wall of distrust later.

**Editor:** Thank you, Christoph, ​for ‌your insights. It sounds like a valuable lesson ‍learned!⁣

**Christoph Neuhaus:** Thank you for the opportunity to‍ discuss this important topic. We are committed ⁢to seeing the Tavannes Machines project through to its successful‍ completion.