Geneva voters reject music project

In Geneva, voters in the city have very narrowly rejected plans for a major new development focused on music.


The Cité de la Musique would have created new teaching and concert halls, brought together the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande with top students from the Geneva Music School, and created spaced for music lovers to gather. 

But it would also have meant the felling of ancient trees and building on green land in the city. 

It was refused by 50.8% of voters – but only on a turnout of 42.6%. 

However, the story may not be over. The cantonal Council of State is warning it has the right to disregard the vote, according to the cantonal planning minister Antonio Hodgers. 

He says there will be talks with the city and the United Nations – as the international body has agreed to hand over some of its land for the project. 

The Geneva City cultural minister Saami Kanaan says the result is a mess and he’s not sure if the opponents of the project have actually won anything. 
 

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