immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Districts / Areas

  • Young adults help shape the future of a central area

    Young adults help shape the future of a central area

    In the municipality of Adelboden, young adults can contribute to the future use of the car park area. The municipality is organising a creative workshop in the Adelboden leisure and sports arena in cooperation with the Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg tourism organisation, Parkhaus AG and Hotel Adler AG to find ideas. On 19 June 2026, 80 young adults up to the age of 35 are invited to develop concrete proposals for a structural redesign. Interested parties can register until 5 June.

    According to a press release, approaches that go beyond the “classic planning logic” are in demand. The municipality is keen to make young people’s opinions on the future of their living environment visible. After all, “they make a valuable contribution to the long-term development of the village as a liveable residential and attractive tourist destination”. Before feasibility studies are commissioned, a “broad range of ideas” is required.

    Two options will be actively included and discussed in the “transparent, democratically supported” process: a panorama square with a view of the mountains and an adventure pool with existing development plans. There is also room for further and new concepts. The best project ideas will be professionally visualised, publicly exhibited and then examined in consultation with the local population and tourism stakeholders.

  • The Sonnenhof is to reinvent Bülach’s centre

    The Sonnenhof is to reinvent Bülach’s centre

    The Sonnenhof site is centrally located between Bahnhofstrasse and Schaffhauserstrasse and covers a good 20,000 square metres. Today, the site is dominated by a shopping centre from the 1970s, other commercial and residential buildings and a large sealed car park. It is precisely this structure that is now to be fundamentally changed.

    The plan is to create a new, mixed-use district with a public passageway, green courtyards and squares, businesses, restaurants and a cultural and meeting centre. The existing shopping centre will not disappear, but will be modernised and integrated into the new structure.

    Urban densification
    At the heart of the project are around 240 rental flats in various price categories and with different floor plans. In addition, there are around 12,000 square metres for commercial, cultural and public uses on the ground floors and in the passages.

    In terms of urban planning, the project focuses on density and orientation. Four taller buildings will mark the site and give it a clearly recognisable address. The design plan allows for a maximum building height of 55 metres on the north-eastern corner. This shows how clearly the Sonnenhof will stand out from the previous scale.

    Open space instead of tarmac
    The message is particularly strong in the outdoor space. Where heat-retaining pavement dominates today, unsealed surfaces, trees, courtyards and climate-resistant planting will improve the microclimate in future. Rainwater will be able to seep away and evaporate, roofs will be greened and supplemented with photovoltaics.

    The project also aims to reorganise traffic flows. Most of the above-ground parking spaces will be moved to the underground car park, while paths and squares will be designed primarily for pedestrians and cyclists. Nevertheless, around 450 car parking spaces will remain on the entire site.

    Culture as part of the development
    The combination of property development and public use is striking. The planned KUBEZ cultural and meeting centre at Sonnenhof will not only be built, but will also create a regional meeting place for culture, education and leisure. The project is being developed in collaboration with the town of Bülach and neighbouring municipalities.

    This is what makes the Sonnenhof more than just a classic development. The site should not only provide living space, but also create a new centre that expands the everyday life of the town and strengthens the connection between the railway station, town centre and neighbourhood.

    A long road to the new centre
    Sonnenhof is still a planning project. the private design plan is due to be submitted in 2026, with approval scheduled for 2027. The first stage could start in 2029 and be completed in 2031, with overall completion scheduled for 2034 according to the project status.

    This shows the true scale of such projects. The transformation of a central site requires not only capital and design power, but above all time, procedures and political coordination. If Sonnenhof succeeds, Bülach will not simply gain new flats. The town will gain a new piece of urbanity.

  • One million square meters new start for Lugano

    One million square meters new start for Lugano

    The Nuovo Quartiere Cornaredo is located to the north of the city center and is being developed as a new gateway to Lugano. The inter-municipal project, which Lugano is supporting together with neighboring municipalities, is intended to fundamentally reorganize the urban space. Housing, services, retail, leisure and an upgraded public space form the backbone of the project. Not a dormitory district, but an urban hub with everyday functions and economic dynamism.

    Where football and urban development meet
    The PSE with stadium, sports hall, administration and parking areas is being built in the same area alongside the residential and commercial areas. Construction site B1a alone covers around 55,000 square meters with mixed uses, buildings of different heights and commercial and tertiary facilities. This will make Cornaredo one of the most important real-world laboratories for urban development in Ticino. Rarely do sports and event infrastructure, private building construction and public space come together in such a small area.

    Complexity as a program
    The project is not an isolated real estate project. It is a transformation system in which urban planning, road space, public transport and private construction projects have to be coordinated. Delays, appeals and political debates are not the exception, but part of the process. This is precisely what makes the project so relevant for investors, developers and planners. It shows how difficult and valuable it is to develop large sites in topographically sensitive areas.

    A benchmark for Ticino
    Cornaredo is strategically central for Lugano. This is where the city’s approach to growth is decided. Densified, networked and functionally diverse or still small-scale and traffic-heavy. If the implementation succeeds with planning quality and a mix of uses, Cornaredo will be no ordinary district, but a reference project for the next development phase of the entire canton. Southern Switzerland is keeping a close eye on what is being created in the north of Lugano.

    What is still missing
    The real touchstone lies ahead of Lugano, not behind it. Ensuring planning quality over the years, bundling private and public investment and creating a reliable realization perspective. These are the three tasks by which Cornaredo will be measured. The course has been set. The next phases of development will show whether the project delivers what it promises.

  • Bellinzona dares to undertake a major renovation

    Bellinzona dares to undertake a major renovation

    There are hardly any inner-city transformation areas of this size in Switzerland. The FFS site in the heart of Bellinzona offers an opportunity that cities such as Zurich and Basel have long since lost. The new district will not be built on a greenfield site, but will interweave the historic city with the area around the railroad station and new development zones. Mixed use, biodiversity and generous open spaces are at the heart of the master plan.

    The international competition was won by the team sa_partners, TAMassociati and Franco Giorgetta. Their design breaks up the previously closed industrial area and organizes it around the “Almenda”. A 6.4 hectare central green space that structures the entire district as an ecological and social backbone. The listed “Cattedrale”, which has been a maintenance site for locomotives since 1919, will be retained as an identity-forming focal point and will become the anchor building of the new district.

    Innovation at the heart of
    The district will also be home to the Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino in future. The park was officially recognized as the location of the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich in November 2024 and is supported by USI, SUPSI, BancaStato, the Ticino Chamber of Commerce and the employers’ association AITI. From 2032, the park and its headquarters will move to a 25,000 square meter area within the new quarter.

    Three competence centers are already active: Swiss Drone Base in Lodrino for drone technology, a hub in Bellinzona for life sciences and a location in Lugano for lifestyle tech. Together with postgraduate training courses offered by USI and SUPSI, an innovation cluster with supra-regional appeal is being created. Bellinzona is thus positioning itself as a location between administration, technology and urban quality of life and as a serious alternative to the major Swiss technology hubs.

    Setback in fall 2025
    The path is not clear. In October 2025, the cantonal administrative court annulled the municipal council’s detailed development plan from April 2023. The financial aspects were insufficiently explained, in particular the costs for the acquisition of public land and the remediation of contaminated sites, which are estimated at CHF 30 to 50 million. The planning process will have to start from scratch.

    At the same time, construction work is already underway on the new FFS plant in Arbedo-Castione, a major project costing CHF 755 million that is scheduled to open in 2028. The site will only become available once Officine has relocated. The first realization phase is expected to start between 2030 and 2035 at the earliest, and the overall transformation is likely to take 20 to 40 years. The time pressure is real and the complexity is high.

    Model for central Switzerland
    Porta del Ticino shows how medium-sized centers beyond the metropolitan areas can deal with large industrial sites. Not monofunctional overbuilding, but development as an urban transformation space with a long-term regional impact. What is being created in Bellinzona can be a benchmark for other cities of the same size. From Aarau to Chur, from Schaffhausen to Sion.

    The next few years will determine whether the planning quality can be secured for years to come, whether investments can be bundled and whether the vision can be translated into a resilient realization perspective. The real test has only just begun.

  • 270 reasons for Stans

    270 reasons for Stans

    The non-profit housing association Logis Suisse AG is planning a new housing estate in the west of Stans. Around 270 affordable apartments, around 1,000 m² of commercial space and two communal areas will be built by 2032 on a 12,700 m² site that the company acquired back in 2015. The study contract, in which seven general planning teams took part in 2025, was won by Studio Sintzel from Zurich and Uniola AG.

    Two buildings, eight courtyards
    The project, known internally as “Eight courtyards for Stans”, is based on two seven-storey buildings. Despite their volume, they appear from the outside as loosely placed point buildings. Head elements refer to existing buildings and structure the street fronts with front garden zones. Open courtyards with passageways structure the outdoor space and allow views of the surrounding mountains. A high-quality counterbalance to the adjacent highway. An existing old building in the center of the development will be retained and will serve as a social meeting point in the future.

    Mixed quarter with short distances
    The site is located opposite the Länderpark shopping center, on a multi-lane road and in the immediate vicinity of the freeway. Bicycle paths and footpaths should nevertheless link the new district well with Stans and Stansstad. With 0.8 parking spaces per apartment, Logis Suisse is below the usual standard, a clear commitment to sustainable mobility. The apartment mix ranges from compact 1.5-room apartments for singles and older people to spacious 5.5-room apartments for families and shared flats. On the first floor, studio apartments, care facilities and commercial space enliven the district.

    Built to conserve resources
    The client’s aim was to create a model project in terms of ecology, social space and economic efficiency. The load-bearing structure is designed to be material-efficient, the floor plans are compact and a photovoltaic system on the roofs covers a large part of the electricity requirements on site. A single-storey underground car park minimizes excavation work. Construction is scheduled to start in 2030 and be completed in 2032.

  • When architectural monuments pack their suitcases

    When architectural monuments pack their suitcases

    Two apartment buildings with 57 apartments ranging in size from 2.5 to 5.5 rooms are being built on a 6500 square meter site to the north of the historic station building. Commercial and restaurant space is planned on the first floors, as well as a small commercial building and an underground garage with 59 car and 92 bicycle parking spaces. A park-like open space with a playground will be created between the two buildings.

    Less, but social
    The project has become smaller. SBB originally planned four buildings with 90 apartments, a third of which would be affordable. However, the signal box next to the station building must remain, which means that an entire building is no longer needed. Of the remaining 57 apartments, 20 are to be offered at affordable prices. This corresponds to 35 percent and is even slightly higher than the original quota.

    Switzerland’s last goods shed
    What residential construction demands requires space. Four existing buildings have to make way, including the goods shed from 1928, designed by Meinrad Lorenz, SBB’s chief architect at the time, one of only four buildings of this type in the whole of Switzerland. Following the demolition of the identical shed in Heerbrugg, the one in Wollishofen is the last remaining example of its kind. It is listed in the cantonal inventory of listed buildings.

    A wooden building packs its bags
    Nevertheless, the goods shed will not disappear. It will be dismantled into individual parts, professionally refurbished and rebuilt at the Zurich Oberland Steam Railway Association in Bauma an der Töss. There it will be made accessible to the public and given a museum function as part of the “Bauma 2020 depot area” project. The approval documents for the dismantling are already largely in place.

    History repeats itself
    This move is not the first in the history of Wollishofen station. The current station building was once the first station building in the city of Zug, built in 1864 and moved stone by stone to Lake Zurich in 1897. What was forced by the scarcity of building materials in the 19th century is now a deliberate act of preservation. Wollishofen is thus writing another chapter in an unusual building history.

  • Beer, concrete and living – Baden builds on its history

    Beer, concrete and living – Baden builds on its history

    Four new buildings are being constructed on around 8,000 square meters directly next to Baden train station, divided into two construction sites. Building site A is the responsibility of Frei Architekten AG from Aarau, building site B is the responsibility of the renowned Harry Gugger Studio from Basel. The volume is considerable: 81,888 cubic meters of enclosed space, 22,914 square meters of floor space and an investment of around 64.5 million Swiss francs. The general contractor is Gross AG from Brugg.

    Living where malt used to steam
    136 rental apartments with 1.5 to 4.5 rooms are being built in the heart of the city. On the first floor, a total of 2268 square meters of retail and restaurant space will characterize the quarter. In the inner courtyard, a 900 square meter beer garden invites you to linger. The motto of the building owner, the fourth-generation brewery H. Müller AG, sums it up: “brew – live – enjoy”.

    History remains visible
    Not everything makes way for the new building. The boiler house, brewhouse and malt silo remain as architectural witnesses to a brewing history that began in 1897. The Müllerbräu beer itself is now produced by the Falken brewery in Schaffhausen. However, there is still a specialty brewery on the site. The site’s past thus not only remains visible, it can still be experienced.

    Timetable and marketing
    The building permit dates from October 2023, with demolition starting in April 2024. The facades of the new high-rise buildings have been visible for the first time for a few days now. A milestone for the project. Marketing of the apartments is scheduled to start in summer 2026, with first occupancy planned for June 2027.

  • Laufenburg builds windmills at the train station

    Laufenburg builds windmills at the train station

    The Schützegärte site is located in a sensitive urban location. Three streets surround it, and building typologies from different decades clash all around. It is precisely this chaos that is the theme. AWW Architekten AG makes the “contrasting and bilateral” the basis of the concept. The architecture emerges from the tension of the location, not against it.

    Offset, rotated, anchored
    Two identical, four-storey buildings form the ensemble. They are not parallel, but offset and rotated in relation to each other on the slightly sloping terrain. This positioning is not an aesthetic conceit, but a precise reaction to the formation of edges and the flow of space in relation to the neighboring buildings. An ensemble that blends in while remaining independent. The total floor area is around 4,600 square meters, the building volume around 13,800 cubic meters.

    Windmill as a residential model
    The architectural concept is based on a compact four-span “windmill” building shape with a central staircase core. The projecting wings characterize the façade and make reference to typical bay window shapes in the district. Each apartment is oriented on three sides. At the heart of the building are the “four-season rooms” with spacious rooms that can be used as conservatories, studios or living and dining areas. Together with loggias, this creates a flexible range of spaces for a wide variety of lifestyles.

    Green, communal, grounded
    The open space between the houses is deliberately kept low-threshold. Accessible from inside and from the street. A green layer of native shrubs and perennials protects the first floor apartments and gives the development character. At one corner, the area opens up to a meadow-like situation with fruit trees, a reference to the local tradition of orchards close to settlements. The project considers housing and community as a unit.

    Next steps open
    The town of Laufenburg was not involved in the planning process. Town clerk Marco Waser confirms that the building authorities only clarified the building regulations in advance. The town has not yet made an assessment. The landowner Erne Immo AG has not yet commented on the time horizon for implementation.

  • What was considered a bargain becomes a billion-euro project

    What was considered a bargain becomes a billion-euro project

    When the city of Zurich announced the renovation of the armory on the barracks site in Zurich-Aussersihl, it still sounded like a manageable project. The initial cost estimate was around 55 million francs. Today, a figure of just under 200 million francs is on the table that makes even experienced city parliamentarians sit up and take notice. A multiplication that needs to be explained.

    Dilapidated fabric drives up costs
    The main driver is the fabric of the building itself. The historic arsenals are in a far worse condition than originally assumed. Pollutant remediation, structural interventions and monument conservation requirements add up to a cost that was simply underestimated in advance. Added to this are increased construction costs and an expanded usage concept that requires higher technical standards.

    Culture, commerce and community
    What is to be created after the renovation has substance. The city council is planning a mixture of cultural use, small businesses and publicly accessible spaces. A lively meeting place in the middle of Zurich-Aussersihl. The social mix is an explicit part of the concept. The aim is to enhance the barracks area as a whole, not just the arsenals themselves.

    Long road to opening
    The timetable is ambitious and the history of the project calls for caution. The renovated arsenals should be ready for occupation in 2034 at the earliest. Until then, the municipal council will need to approve a loan, an approved construction project and a smooth construction process. In Zurich, experience shows that these three factors rarely all work smoothly at the same time.

    Monument obliges
    The arsenals are part of the protected barracks area. An ensemble that makes the city’s history visible. Demolition is out of the question. If you want to preserve historic buildings, you have to be prepared to pay for them. The question is not whether, but how the city finances this task and communicates it transparently, comprehensibly and with clear added value for all Zurich residents.

  • Five stones, 220 apartments, one future

    Five stones, 220 apartments, one future

    The Brisgi has roots. In the 1940s, the site was home to a shanty town for up to 1500 employees of the former BBC industrial group. Many of them were guest workers with their families. In the 1960s, a high-rise building and two apartment blocks followed, which still stand today and are carefully embedded in the new development. What was once a workers’ housing estate is now becoming a modern urban building block.

    Three sponsors, one goal
    The project is backed by three non-profit organizations that are jointly developing the 6.5-hectare site: Wohnbaustiftung Baden, Logis Suisse AG and Graphis Bau- und Wohngenossenschaft. Each will take over one of the three buildings and design them independently. The rents are calculated to cover costs. Profit is not the goal, but affordable living is.

    Wood, concrete and sun
    Nine five- to six-storey buildings, pergolas, green inner courtyards and a central square will characterize the future Brisgi. The hybrid construction method combines wood and concrete. Concrete only where it is really needed. Solar panels will produce electricity on around half of the roofs and the site will be connected to the district heating network of Regionalwerke Baden. The aim is to achieve the gold certificate of the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard.

    Values carved in stone
    Five stones, found during the excavation of the building pit and engraved by a stonemason, represent the self-image of the development. Common ground, the future, sustainability, affordability and living. City President Markus Schneider, who carried the stone with the inscription “Future”, summed up the 14 years of planning work: “Now the lively Kappi is becoming even livelier. A neighborhood within a neighborhood is being created here.” The five stones will be clearly visible in the development in future.

    Milestones on schedule
    After years of objections and a planning process since 2012, things are now picking up speed. The building permit for all three courtyard buildings was granted in April 2025 and construction started on schedule in the fall of 2025. Letting will start in the second half of 2027, with occupancy scheduled for the first half of 2028. The design architects are the Baden-based firm Meier Leder Architekten together with the Zurich firm Müller Sigrist, whose “Kandalama” project was chosen as the winning project in 2016.

  • Intercantonal development project focuses on mobility and efficiency

    Intercantonal development project focuses on mobility and efficiency

    Voters in St. Gallen have approved the sale of two plots of land owned by the Canton of St. Gallen to the Canton of Thurgau, as well as the provision of compensation in the form of crop rotation areas. According to a statement from Regio Wil, this is a “landmark decision” for the Wil region. The plots are to form the WILWEST development area, which is intended to combine environmentally friendly mobility, energy efficiency and regional cooperation as a sustainable economic zone. At the heart of the project is a new junction with the A1 motorway, complemented by improved bus, rail and cycle connections for the entire region.

    For the Wil region, the project creates prospects for new jobs, reduced traffic congestion and coordinated, sustainable spatial development, the statement says. The decision by St. Gallen’s voters is also a strong signal for intercantonal cooperation between St. Gallen and Thurgau, as well as for the 22 municipalities of Regio Wil.

    The St. Gallen electorate had initially rejected a special loan for the WILWEST project in September 2022. The project was subsequently comprehensively revised, particularly in the area of sustainability. Among other things, land use was optimised, soil sealing reduced, and car traffic and the number of parking spaces cut.

    The priority now is to ensure sustainable implementation, to develop the area in a land-conserving manner and in phases, and to continue to take the concerns of the public into account. Regio Wil intends to remain actively involved in the process in the future.

  • Ein Quartier ohne Einsprache

    Ein Quartier ohne Einsprache

    Der Luzerner Regierungsrat genehmigte den Bebauungsplan Schützenmatt im Januar 2026. Der Emmer Einwohnerrat hatte ihn bereits am 1. Juli 2025 in zweiter Lesung einstimmig verabschiedet. Nach Ablauf der Beschwerdefrist liegt nun Rechtskraft vor, kein einziger Rekurs wurde eingereicht. Das ist bei einem Projekt dieser Grössenordnung keine Selbstverständlichkeit, sondern ein Zeichen breiter Akzeptanz.

    250 Wohnungen, 4000 Quadratmeter Leben
    Auf dem Areal entstehen rund 250 Wohnungen in verschiedenen Grössen sowie Gewerbe-, Gastronomie- und Dienstleistungsflächen von insgesamt rund 4000 Quadratmetern. Der Wohnungsmix reicht von kleineren Einheiten über Familienwohnungen bis zu Alterswohnungen . Bewusst konzipiert für alle Lebensphasen und verschiedene Einkommensstufen. Ein Teil der Wohnungen muss als preisgünstiger Wohnraum realisiert werden.

    Weniger Auto, mehr Velo
    Das Mobilitätskonzept setzt klare Prioritäten sodass Fuss, Velo und öffentlicher Verkehr Vorrang haben. Geplant sind über 970 Veloabstellplätze, darunter eine gedeckte, öffentlich zugängliche Velostation mit mindestens 300 Plätzen direkt an der Bahnhofunterführung. Für Autos stehen maximal 120 Parkplätze in der Tiefgarage bereit. Die Velohauptroute entlang der Gleise wird kreuzungsfrei geführt. Somit entfallen Konflikte mit dem Fussgängerverkehr.

    Die Stadt als Schwamm
    Das städtebauliche Konzept stammt von Fischer Architekten, deren Wettbewerbsbeitrag mit dem ersten Preis ausgezeichnet wurde. Im Zentrum steht das Schwammstadtprinzip. Sickerfähige Beläge, Bäume auf natürlichem Boden und begrünte Dachflächen speichern Regenwasser und geben es kontrolliert wieder ab. Mindestens 60 Prozent der Dachflächen werden intensiv begrünt. Das verbessert das Mikroklima und macht das Quartier klimaresilient.

    Ab 2027 wird gebaut
    Mit der Rechtskraft liegt die Umsetzung nun bei den Grundeigentümerschaften. Die Realisierung ist in vier Etappen geplant, ein Bezug der ersten Wohnungen ist ab rund 2030 realistisch. Christine Bopp, Leiterin Planung der Gemeinde Emmen, spricht von einem abgeschlossenen langen Planungsprozess, der nun Planungssicherheit für alle Beteiligten schafft. Emmenbrücke bekommt sein neues Herz und baut es mit Bedacht.

  • The way is clear for Wil West

    The way is clear for Wil West

    At the second attempt, the voters of St. Gallen say yes to Wil West. The decision is close, but clear enough to create planning security. The vote shows that the region wants to grow. Bundled, plannable and coordinated across cantonal borders.

    With the sale of the land, St. Gallen is handing over a former estate of the Wil psychiatric clinic to the canton of Thurgau. In future, the economic area will be located entirely on Thurgau soil, but will remain within the immediate sphere of influence of the Will region. This creates a clearer starting position for investments, infrastructure and long-term settlement strategies.

    Concentration instead of urban sprawl
    Wil West stands for a model that keeps many regions busy, enabling economic growth without further urban sprawl. Instead of constantly scattering new commercial zones on the outskirts of towns, the location will in future concentrate companies, services and productive jobs in a location with good transport links.

    The plan is not just any old industrial area, but a modern work location. The aim is to create high-quality businesses that generate added value and skilled jobs without taking up an excessive amount of space. The development potential of the region will thus be utilized. For spatial planning, the project is therefore also an instrument for channeling growth instead of leaving it to chance.

    Infrastructure as a driver of development
    Wil West has a particularly strong impact through its infrastructure. With the project, the federal government, cantons and region are linking the expansion of the highway, public transport and pedestrian and bicycle connections. The planned freeway link to the A1 and better rail and bus connections will make the area attractive for companies and at the same time relieve pressure on the existing town centers.

    Sustainability as a location factor
    The first version of Wil West failed due to concerns such as loss of cultural land, traffic and ecological impact. In the revised version, sustainability plays a much more visible role. More compact construction methods, more careful land use and more green and open spaces are intended to reduce the ecological footprint.
    This is precisely what is becoming a location factor for companies looking to relocate. When choosing a location, more and more companies are looking at energy and land consumption, accessibility without a car and an attractive environment for employees.
    Wil West has the opportunity to set a new standard for work zones if quality assurance, phasing and criteria for settlements are consistently implemented.

    Seize opportunities, manage expectations
    With the yes vote for the proposal, expectations are now also rising. Politics and administration must pick up the pace without falling into a hectic pace. The region needs clear guidelines: which sectors should come? What density is desired? How can development be managed over decades without having to change strategy every time the economy changes?

  • Urban change on the Wellis site

    Urban change on the Wellis site

    One of the region’s most exciting transformation areas is located between the railroad station and the old town. Halls, warehouses and work yards are being transformed into an urban quarter with its own character. The area thus plays a key role as the gateway to Willisau.

    The area is roughly the same size as the historic old town. The previously closed production site is being transformed into an open piece of town. Paths, squares and open spaces will connect the station, the old town and the district. The previous barrier will become an urban interface.

    Mixture instead of monofunction
    The development clearly focuses on a mixture of uses. Several hundred apartments of different sizes and typologies are planned, supplemented by areas for commerce, services and local amenities. Living, working, shopping and leisure are moving closer together.

    It creates frequency throughout the day, increases the utilization of the infrastructure and reduces dependency on a single type of use. At the same time, it opens up scope for new forms of work, small-scale service providers and local suppliers.

    Identity from the industrial past
    The Wellisareal remains recognizable as a place. Parts of the existing building fabric will be preserved and used for new purposes. The industrial character not only provides history, but also identity. It clearly distinguishes the district from green meadow developments on the outskirts of the town.

    New buildings complement the existing buildings without covering them up. A high point marks the area in the silhouette of Willisau. The decisive factor here is not the height alone, but the effect in the urban space. This creates an image that remains anchored in the perception of residents, visitors and investors.

    Open space as a location factor
    The project consistently combines density with open space. Generous green spaces, trees, squares and paths structure the quarter and ensure a quality of stay. Instead of the inner courtyard as a residual area, the open space is at the center of the concept.

    For future users, this is more than just a matter of comfort. Shaded recreational areas, well thought-out outdoor spaces and differentiated microclimates are becoming hard location factors. They influence rentability, image and long-term value development. A robust open space concept also supports the adaptability of the neighborhood over its life cycle.

    Rebalancing mobility
    The location directly next to the train station and close to the old town allows for a low-traffic approach. Priority is given to pedestrians and cyclists, with public transport services within walking distance. The project deliberately reduces the number of parking spaces and focuses on alternative forms of mobility.

    For local authorities and investors, this means less land consumption for cars, more space for value creation and quality of life. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to think of mobility as an integrated offer. From sharing solutions to logistics and neighborhood services.

  • Thun North is developing into a new district

    Thun North is developing into a new district

    The future new district of Thun North is one of the four most important cantonal development priorities and the most important in the Bernese Oberland, according to a statement from the city of Thun. A future-oriented urban quarter and a business location with supra-regional appeal is to be created here on a 60-hectare site. The area will be accessed via a new S-Bahn station.

    Half of the site belongs to Armasuisse Real Estateand half to RUAG Real Estate AG. In 2025, the city of Thun conducted a so-called workshop process with them and BLS for the core area around the planned railway station. Three interdisciplinary teams worked with experts and various stakeholders to develop proposals. From these, an advisory committee derived key parameters for further development.

    The basic framework of the new district is to be formed by open spaces. This will be characterised by the Aare river, the roads, the railway area and the townscape. The existing shed roof hall will form the backbone of the complex. The two landowners want to concentrate their closed industrial sites on the area west of the Alpine Bridge and on the grounds of the textile centre. Mixed uses are planned outside these areas. The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa) will also be one of the key players with its new campus.

    The results of the workshop process will be on display at Thun Town Hall until 6 March.

  • Foundation stone laid for mixed-use building in Frenkendorf

    Foundation stone laid for mixed-use building in Frenkendorf

    According to a statement, Halter AG has laid the foundation stone for the Park3project. Also involved were the client Zurimo “B” Immobilien AG, represented by UBS Fund Management (Switzerland) AG, representatives of Reuter Architekten, the municipality of Frenkendorf and the planning, marketing and implementation teams involved.

    The mixed-use residential and commercial building will be a five-storey structure with an attic, combining living, working and commercial space under one roof. The plot size is 2,607 square metres and the construction costs amount to 14 million Swiss francs. Flexible commercial space will be created on the ground floor, with modern office units on the first floor. The upper floors will feature 22 apartments with 2.5 and 3.5-room floor plans. The project is being developed in an area with good infrastructure connections, which is increasingly gaining urban quality as part of urban development. The site is currently used primarily for commercial purposes.

    The building plans for the project, a UBS annual report and the current issue of the Halter Group’s KOMPLEX magazine were placed in the foundation stone as contemporary documents and permanently anchored in the foundations.

    The focus is now on the construction of the shell, which is scheduled for completion by the summer. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.

    Halter AG is a real estate and construction company operating throughout Switzerland. The company handles a construction volume of around CHF 800 million per year at seven locations and currently has around 320 projects in development and execution.

  • Canton Zurich creates interface with innovation park

    Canton Zurich creates interface with innovation park

    According to a statement, the canton of Zurich has created the Zurich Innovation Park specialist unit. This implements a decision by the cantonal government in April 2025 to transform the coordination unit, which was previously managed by an external mandate, into a regular organisation. The specialist unit is based in the Office for Economic Affairs and began operations at the start of the year.

    The centre is responsible for ensuring the division of tasks between the Department of Economic Affairs, the Innovation Park Foundation, IPZ Property AG and IPZ Operations AG. It coordinates cantonal projects and involves various stakeholders in the local communities, the federal government, the business community and other partners.

    In addition to the Innovation Park as the most important area development project in the canton, the specialist unit will also focus on the active development of commercial space as a key location factor. This involves space for the growth, transformation and establishment of companies, particularly in or around the Innovation Park, but also throughout the canton.

    Benjamin Grimm is the first head of the specialist unit. The geographer has a Master’s degree in Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and a Master of Advanced Studies in Real Estate from the University of Zurich. He has worked for the Federal Office for Spatial Development and the Office for Spatial Development of the Canton of Zurich, among others.

  • Thun North forms a new urban neighbourhood

    Thun North forms a new urban neighbourhood

    The cantonal development centre Thun North is considered the most important business location in the Bernese Oberland and is one of the four premium locations in the canton of Bern. The area between Selve and Lerchenfeld, which is still heavily characterised by military use, is to be gradually opened up for new uses. This will create space for working, living and mobility, linked by a new public access route.

    Workshop process as a milestone
    In 2025, the city of Thun conducted a workshop process together with Armasuisse Immobilien, Ruag Real Estate AG and BLS. It marked an important milestone in the transformation of the area. The task was to identify ways in which the site could develop into a modern, networked urban district. In addition to the future Thun Nord S-Bahn station, the creation of a lively urban environment is at the centre of the project.

    Open spaces as a basic framework
    The planning considerations focus on open spaces as a connecting element between the closed military areas to the south of the site. The three interdisciplinary teams developed several approaches in dialogue with experts, owners and interest groups. Despite different concepts, a common core emerged. The open space, Aare, Alpenbrücke and Allmendstrasse form the supporting framework to which future neighbourhood structures will connect. The new railway station also makes reference to the existing buildings. The striking shed roof hall will serve as the backbone and identity carrier.

    From idea to realisation
    The next phase is now starting. In a so-called synthesis, the city, owners and project partners are working on further refining the open space and neighbourhood structure. This forms the basis for the next, harmonised plans, such as infrastructure projects or the necessary planning instruments. Thun North is thus taking shape as a forward-looking neighbourhood that combines economic strength and spatial quality.

  • Multiple use of private car parks efficiently utilised

    Multiple use of private car parks efficiently utilised

    Many private car parks remain unused for hours at a time, during the day in residential neighbourhoods and at night at work or shopping locations. With multiple use, owners make their car parks available when they do not need them themselves. This reduces the pressure on public car parks, while cities gain space for more greenery, cycle connections and quality of life. The basis for this is a management concept commissioned by the Department of Construction and Transport, which aims to make more efficient use of private parking facilities.

    Four pilot projects demonstrate the potential
    Since the beginning of this year, four projects have been running in which owners are working together with the car park brokers ShareP and Parcandi. PSP Swiss Property is providing around fifty underground car park spaces for multiple use at Hochstrasse 16. Lonza AG opens its company car park on the Lindenhof site to residents at night and at weekends. There are further offers in the St. Alban suburb at the Goldener Löwen and at Dornacherstrasse 8/10, with solutions for residents and commuters alike. The projects will be monitored and analysed for two years and form the basis for further implementation.

    Flexible offers for different needs
    The new parking models are aimed at different user groups. Commuters can book fixed or recurring parking spaces during the week. Residents benefit from secure parking spaces at night and at weekends. Season tickets are available for regular users, while short-term offers are available for spontaneous journeys. The result is a parking system that adapts to people’s everyday lives instead of creating additional space requirements.

    Advice for owners and supplementary neighbourhood parking
    Owners of parking facilities can now obtain advice free of charge. The initial consultation shows how car parks can be managed more efficiently without a great deal of effort. Multiple-use models can also be used without advice and without authorisation procedures. At the same time, the canton is promoting additional neighbourhood car parks. By taking over the Horburg multi-storey car park, it will create over 300 rentable parking spaces for residents from April 2026, thus strengthening the overall offer in the neighbourhood.

  • Industrial site makes way for hotel and modern office space

    Industrial site makes way for hotel and modern office space

    According to a statement, HGC, a building materials supplier operating throughout Switzerland, is relocating its Lucerne site. This move is in response to the development of the former industrial area of Tribschen into a central urban district.

    HGC already relocated its regional transport business to its new site in Inwil last September. The company will also serve all its regional customers from there over the next two years.

    The old site in Tribschen is being converted. The old building at Tribschenstrasse 7/9 was demolished last year. The new Boutiquehotel 6000 is being built here. The new headquarters of the Central Swiss Builders’ Association will be located in the attic.

    The building on the neighbouring property at Tribschentrasse 11 will be converted using the existing supporting structure. The upper five floors will be rented out as offices under the name Tribschen Office. Half of the space has already found tenants. A commercial enterprise and the HGC collection business will be set up on the ground floor.

    HGC has been using the Tribschen site since the early 1920s. The complete renovation and conversion will allow it to benefit from the development of the neighbourhood.

    HGC was founded as a cooperative in 1899 and has its headquarters in Zurich. It trades in building materials and related products. It belongs to its more than 3,000 cooperative members in all construction sectors.

  • How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    Basel-Landschaft is building for the future. Former industrial sites are being transformed into innovative campuses, flexible business parks and urban neighbourhoods. Dreispitz combines art, education and high-tech on the cantonal border and creates space for 4,000 jobs, research and sustainable architecture at the highest level. Uptown Basel in Arlesheim is positioning itself as a hotspot for Industry 4.0 and medtech with quantum computing pioneers and an ecological beacon character. New neighbourhoods in Muttenz, BusinessCity and AM SCHÄNZLI combine living and working spaces, green open spaces and climate-friendly mobility, further enhancing the location’s profile as a centre of knowledge and innovation.

    In Pratteln, Bredella, the Campus der Wirtschaft and Zentrale Pratteln are creating modern urban living spaces that focus on sustainable development, smart infrastructure and flexible usage concepts. In Allschwil, Bachgraben is developing into a leading life sciences location with the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, where biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies are driving forward cutting-edge research and high-tech innovations. The Laufen Industrial Park and Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil are creating momentum for regional production, craftsmanship and community, with a focus on the circular economy and CO² reduction. GETEC PARK is a growth engine for chemistry and life sciences, driven by decarbonisation and ESG standards.

    Basel-Land thus demonstrates how diversity, sustainability and innovative strength are driving transformation.

    Dreispitz
    Dreispitz in Münchenstein (Basel-Landschaft) is one of the most diverse areas in the Basel region. It combines art, education and business. Over 380 companies and around 4,000 jobs characterise the Dreispitz business park, flanked by universities such as the FHNW and creative clusters. The intercantonal site offers space for innovative companies, start-ups, culture and modern educational institutions. A vital location for the future of the entire region.

    uptownBasel
    uptownBasel is currently building the future. Since 2019, a state-of-the-art innovation campus has been under construction for the jobs of the coming decades. The world-renowned dental implant manufacturer Straumann will relocate a total of 1,000 jobs to the forward-looking development area by 2028. Arlesheim will thus become the most important hotspot for medical technology in Switzerland. The campus, which is being rapidly developed by the Staehelin family and Fankhauser Arealentwicklungen, features several buildings already under construction with sustainable architecture of the highest standard. The roof deck has attracted worldwide attention and, together with the seminar and event rooms, is helping to make the site the state-of-the-art centrepiece of the Baselland industrial location.

    Laufen Industrial Park
    The Laufen Industrial Park is located on the former tile factory site of Keramik Laufen AG on the south-eastern edge of the city and has been owned by the Abendrot Foundation since 2017. Following the major fire in 2020, which destroyed around 80% of the building, the commercial site will be rebuilt between 2025 and 2027 as single-storey timber frame buildings. The aim is to create a modern, affordable offering for small regional businesses, craftsmen and creative professionals, with flexible rental spaces and individual expansion options. A network of commercial streets ensures good access, lighting and promotes networking among users. Densification and multi-storey extensions are possible in order to respond flexibly to regional demand. The focus is on sustainability. The concept is characterised by the reuse of building components, wood instead of concrete and renewable energy. An area association is to strengthen cohesion. The overall result will be a regionally relevant, versatile and sustainable commercial centre.

    AM SCHÄNZLI
    The new AM SCHÄNZLI district in Muttenz marks an urban reinterpretation of living, working and leisure at the gateway to Basel. By 2029, three high-rise buildings with 385 apartments and 14,000 m² of commercial space will be built on the 74,000 m² “Hagnau Ost” site. A central square and intensive greening lend urban density a quality of life right next to the Birs recreation area. The focus is on resource-saving construction, energy efficiency (SNBS Gold), photovoltaics and optimised mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. AM SCHÄNZLI stands for modern location development and the sustainable integration of city and nature.

    BaseLink site
    The Bachgraben site in Allschwil has developed into a driver of innovation in Basel. The location combines international life science companies, state-of-the-art research and sustainable urban development. Projects such as the BaseLink site and new public transport and cycling initiatives are creating attractive jobs and an urban environment. Close cooperation between the canton, municipality and business community ensures dynamism and makes the area a showcase project in the tri-national region.

    Business campus
    The new business campus is located directly next to the railway station in Pratteln and is developing into one of the most important event and work locations in the Basel area. By 2028, the H² building will become a state-of-the-art centrepiece. Six floors offer over 10,000 m² of flexible laboratory, event and office space, complemented by a congress hall for up to 1,900 people and a total of more than 6,000 m² of event space. The campus is aimed at companies from industry, research and services, with sustainable architecture, optimal accessibility, infrastructure from a single source and synergies with the Bredella district. The development strengthens the region’s competitiveness and positions Pratteln as an international centre for innovation, exchange and major events.

    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ
    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ is the leading industrial cluster in north-western Switzerland for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. It combines state-of-the-art infrastructure, secure laboratory and logistics space, and sustainable energy and resource concepts on 50 hectares. The park, which emerged from Infrapark Baselland and Schweizerhalle, is home to global corporations and numerous SMEs. Innovative solutions such as Waste2Value and ESG-based processes make GETEC a growth engine for the industry.

    Pratteln headquarters
    The Pratteln headquarters project is transforming the former Coop site north of the railway station into a lively, ecologically and socially oriented neighbourhood. By 2026, around 480 cooperative apartments for 1,200 people will be built, complemented by a new school, around 15,000 m² of commercial space and a variety of open spaces. Construction and planning are consistently focused on preserving existing structures, reusing building components and sustainable energy supply. Historic industrial buildings such as the sugar silo will be preserved. The cooperation of six developers and the innovative utilisation concept make Pratteln Headquarters a showcase project for non-profit and sustainable neighbourhood development in the Basel region.

    Bredella in Pratteln
    Bredella in Pratteln represents the large-scale transformation of a central industrial area into an innovative urban quarter. In the immediate vicinity of the railway station, 87,000 m² of diverse residential, work and leisure facilities are being created, interspersed with green spaces and renovated industrial buildings. The master plan and neighbourhood plans focus on gradual development, sustainable mobility and a high quality of life. With a perimeter block, high-rise buildings, commercial and studio space, car-free areas and lively ground floors, a model for urban living in the Basel area is being created. Bredella boldly combines modernity, history and sustainable development.

    Ziegelei Ost
    Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil is undergoing a comprehensive transformation into a lively, mixed-use neighbourhood. Historic buildings are being carefully preserved and combined with new uses for living, working and recreation. The neighbourhood is characterised by large green spaces, diverse public spaces and a finely meshed network of paths connecting three central squares: Kulturplatz, Quartierplatz and Lettenwiese. The industrial tradition remains evident through the preservation of the brickworks halls and their integration into modern structures. The project focuses on circularity, the reuse of building components and flexible new buildings to ensure climate protection, sustainability and a high quality of life.

  • How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    Basel-Landschaft is building for the future. Former industrial sites are being transformed into innovative campuses, flexible business parks and urban neighbourhoods. The Dreispitz combines art, education and high-tech on the cantonal border and creates space for 4,000 jobs, research and sustainable architecture at the highest level. Uptown Basel in Arlesheim is positioning itself as a hotspot for Industry 4.0 and MedTech with quantum computing pioneers and ecological lighthouse character. New districts in Muttenz, BusinessCity and AM SCHÄNZLI combine living and working spaces, green open spaces and climate-friendly mobility, further raising the location’s profile as a centre of knowledge and innovation.

    In Pratteln, modern urban living spaces are being created with Bredella, the Campus der Wirtschaft and Zentrale Pratteln, which focus on sustainable development, smart infrastructure and flexible utilisation concepts. In Allschwil, Bachgraben is developing into a leading life sciences location with the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, where biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies are driving forward cutting-edge research and high-tech innovations. The Laufen Industrial Park and Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil create impetus for regional production, craftsmanship and community, focussing on the circular economy and CO² reduction. GETEC PARK is a growth driver for chemistry and life sciences, driven by decarbonisation and ESG standards.

    Basel-Land demonstrates how diversity, sustainability and innovation are driving transformation.

    Dreispitz
    Dreispitz in Münchenstein (Basel-Landschaft) is one of the most diverse areas in the Basel region. Art, education and business come together here. Over 380 companies and around 4,000 jobs characterise the Dreispitz business park, flanked by universities such as the FHNW and creative clusters. The intercantonal area offers space for innovative companies, start-ups, culture and modern educational institutions. A vital future location for the entire region.
    www.dreispitz.ch

    uptownBasel
    uptownBasel is building the future. A state-of-the-art innovation campus for the jobs of the coming decades has been under construction since 2019. The world-famous dental implant manufacturer Straumann is relocating a total of 1,000 jobs to the future-oriented development site by 2028. Arlesheim will thus become the most important hotspot for medical technology in Switzerland. The campus, which is being realised at a rapid pace by the Staehelin family and Fankhauser Arealentwicklungen, is characterised by several buildings already under construction with sustainable architecture at the highest level. The Roofdeck has now attracted worldwide attention and, together with the seminar and event rooms, serves to make the site a state-of-the-art centrepiece for the industrial location of Baselland.
    uptownbasel.ch

    Laufen Industrial Park
    The Laufen Industrial Park is located on the former Keramik Laufen AG tile factory on the south-eastern edge of the city and has been owned by the Abendrot Foundation since 2017. Following the major fire in 2020, which destroyed around 80% of the substance, the industrial site will be rebuilt as a single-storey timber system building from 2025 to 2027. The aim is to provide modern, affordable accommodation for small regional businesses, tradespeople and creative professionals, with flexible rental space and customised expansion options. A network of commercial lanes ensures good access and lighting and promotes networking between users. Densification and multi-storey extensions are possible in order to respond flexibly to regional demand. The focus is on sustainability. Re-use of building components, wood instead of concrete and renewable energy characterise the concept. An area association is intended to strengthen cohesion. Overall, a regionally relevant, versatile and sustainable commercial centre is being created.
    www.abendrot.ch

    AM SCHÄNZLI
    The new AM SCHÄNZLI neighbourhood in Muttenz marks an urban reinterpretation of living, working and leisure at the gateway to Basel. Three high-rise buildings with 385 flats and 14,000 m² of commercial space will be built on the 74,000 m² “Hagnau Ost” site by 2029. A central square and intensive greening will lend urban density and quality of life directly on the Birs recreational area. The focus is on resource-conserving construction, energy efficiency (SNBS Gold), photovoltaics and optimised mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. AM SCHÄNZLI stands for modern site development and sustainable integration of city and nature.
    am-schaenzli.ch

    BaseLink site
    The Bachgraben site in Allschwil has developed into Basel’s innovation engine. The site combines international life science companies, cutting-edge research and sustainable urban development. Projects such as the BaseLink site and new public transport and cycling initiatives are creating attractive workplaces and an urban environment. Close cooperation between the canton, the municipality and the business community is creating momentum and making the area a showcase project in the tri-national region.
    sip-baselarea.com/maincampus/

    Campus of the economy
    The new Campus der Wirtschaft is located directly next to the railway station in Pratteln and is developing into one of the most important event and work locations in the Basel region. By 2028, the H² building will be a state-of-the-art centrepiece. Six storeys will offer over 10,000 m² of flexible laboratory, event and office space, supplemented by a congress hall for up to 1,900 people and a total of more than 6,000 m² of event space. The campus is aimed at companies from industry, research and services, with sustainable architecture, optimal accessibility, infrastructure from a single source and synergies with the Bredella neighbourhood. The development strengthens the region’s competitiveness and positions Pratteln as an international centre for innovation, exchange and major events.
    h2-pratteln.ch

    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ
    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ is the leading industrial cluster in north-west Switzerland for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. State-of-the-art infrastructure, safe laboratory and logistics areas as well as sustainable energy and resource concepts are concentrated on 50 hectares. The park, created from Infrapark Baselland and Schweizerhalle, is home to global corporations and numerous SMEs. Innovative solutions such as Waste2Value and ESG-based processes make GETEC the growth engine of the industry.
    www.getec.swiss

    Pratteln headquarters
    The Zentrale Pratteln project is transforming the former Coop site north of the railway station into a lively, environmentally and socially oriented neighbourhood. By 2026, around 480 cooperative flats for 1,200 people will be built, supplemented by a new school, around 15,000 m² of commercial space and a variety of open spaces. Construction and planning consistently focus on preserving existing buildings, reusing building components and sustainable energy supply. Historic industrial buildings such as the sugar silo will be retained. The cooperation between six property developers and the innovative utilisation concept make Zentrale Pratteln a showcase project for non-profit and sustainable neighbourhood development in the Basel region.
    centralpratteln.ch

    Bredella in Pratteln
    Bredella in Pratteln stands for the large-scale transformation of a central industrial site into an innovative urban neighbourhood. In the immediate vicinity of the railway station, 87,000 m² of diverse living, working and leisure facilities are being created, interspersed with green squares and renovated industrial buildings. The masterplan and neighbourhood plans focus on gradual development, sustainable mobility and a high quality of stay. With perimeter blocks, high-rise buildings, commercial and studio spaces, car-free areas and lively ground floors, a model for urban living in the Basel region is being created. Bredella boldly combines modernity, history and sustainable development.
    bredella.ch

    Brickworks East
    Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil is undergoing a comprehensive transformation into a lively, mixed neighbourhood. Historic buildings are being carefully preserved and combined with new uses for living, working and recreation. Large green areas, diverse public spaces and a finely meshed network of paths connecting three central squares – Kulturplatz, Quartierplatz and Lettenwiese – are characteristic of the area. The industrial tradition remains tangible through the preservation of the brickworks and their integration into modern structures. The project emphasises circularity, the reuse of building components and flexible new buildings in order to ensure climate protection, sustainability and a high quality of life.
    www.ziegelei-ost.ch


  • From local entrance to networked residential address

    From local entrance to networked residential address

    The Neugut site marks the southern entrance to Rickenbach and is located in the municipality’s core zone. The project proposal by Fischer Architekten and Uniola groups seven new residential buildings around two courtyards, while an existing eighth building is integrated into the neighbourhood. A new building with commercial use on the ground floor will be constructed on the site of the existing restaurant, addressing the entrance to the neighbourhood and the village.

    urban planning classification
    The alignment of the new buildings is based on the existing building and Haus Wiesental on the one hand, and on the almost parallel alignment of the surrounding village buildings on the other. This creates a settlement pattern that takes up the existing structure instead of creating a foreign body.

    A narrow stream separates the residential area from the open field and at the same time forms a clear landscape edge. The large lime tree and the position of the “Wiesental” are retained in the new concept, which strengthens the continuity of the townscape.

    interlocking landscape and settlement
    Two use-intensive courtyards form the inner backbone of the new settlement. Opposite them, green spaces are pushed into the development structure from the west, linking the landscape and settlement areas.

    Thanks to the targeted arrangement of the underground car park, the majority of the green space remains unbuilt. This improves planting, infiltration and the water cycle and is in line with the spatial planning objectives of functionally securing and enhancing green spaces.

    Neighbourhood for pedestrians and bicycles
    Garage access, deliveries and above-ground visitor parking spaces are bundled together at the southern edge of the perimeter. There, the neighbourhood opens up to the street space with a square in front of Haus Wiesental, marking the transition from traffic to the residential-oriented inner area.

    The interior of the area is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The project thus sends a clear signal in favour of the quality of life within the neighbourhood and a traffic-calmed residential environment.

    Timber construction and expression
    With the exception of the basement floors and stairwells, the buildings are designed as timber structures. The façade consists of an insulated timber frame construction with rear-ventilated timber cladding, thus combining energy efficiency with reduced CO₂ emissions.

    vertical double supports structure the façades primarily in terms of height, but vary depending on the building type. In this way, the material appearance remains harmonious, while the structure subtly refers to the internal spatial system and gives the ensemble a lively character.

    from study commission to design plan
    The project was preceded by a study commission with five invited teams, from which Fischer Architekten and Uniola emerged as the winners. The jury particularly recognised that the proposal “naturally” fits into the existing development structure and strengthens the character of the entrance to the town.

    The next stage is the private design plan, which is expected to become legally binding in 2027. Only then will the specific construction project be developed – with the aim of transforming the Neugut site from a specialised use with equestrian facilities to a finely networked residential quarter with a clear address at the entrance to the village.

  • Railway station north Regensdorf

    Railway station north Regensdorf

    The “Baufeld N O” development comprises ten buildings with a total of around 283 rental flats and two inner courtyards. Four- and five-room flats are also planned, which are particularly attractive for families.

    The utilisation concept envisages a strong mix. The development will include a daycare centre and a kindergarten, a restaurant, a grocery shop and other shops and services. Two buildings are planned as purely commercial buildings, while the remaining eight will contain flats from the first to the seventh floor. An underground car park with 289 parking spaces and over 1000 bicycle parking spaces will provide underground access.

    Location and access
    The project is located between the SBB railway line and the Wehntalerstrasse cantonal road and replaces older commercial buildings on the edge of the municipality. This will continue the transformation of the former commercial area near Regensdorf railway station into a dense residential neighbourhood along the transport axis. The first high-rise building, currently the tallest wooden high-rise in Switzerland, and another residential tower have already been realised or are under construction in the immediate vicinity.

    Plots N and O are located on the edge of the settlement in front of the forest and Katzensee area, which emphasises the project’s role as a hinge between densification and landscape. A new road (Spange Althardstrasse) will run along the railway line to the cantonal road, bundling the traffic from the new buildings and routing it into the higher-level network. Plazza has already demolished a commercial building on the railway line for this purpose, and initial preparatory work is underway.

    Architecture and expression
    The design of the development builds on the industrial past of the site. The seven-storey residential buildings will have façades with ceramic and metal panels. Light-coloured profiled sheet metal façades are planned towards Kantonsstrasse, with darker ceramic façades in the inner courtyards, structured by light-coloured window frames and balcony balustrades.

    Two inner courtyards structure the dense development and offer sheltered outdoor spaces in an environment characterised by infrastructure. According to Plazza, visualisations of the various building types are currently being revised and will be published at a later date.

    Project status, costs and rental potential
    The design plan has been legally binding since August 2025 and the construction project is available. Plazza assumes that construction work will begin in 2026 and, according to the planning application, will last until spring 2029.

    According to Plazza, the investment volume is between CHF 220 and 240 million and the annual rental potential is likely to exceed around CHF 9 million. This makes the Bahnhof Nord project one of the most important development components in the company’s portfolio and one of the key growth projects on the outskirts of Zurich.

  • Areas in Basel-Stadt as the engine of the future

    Areas in Basel-Stadt as the engine of the future

    Basel-Stadt is a prime example of the sustainable transformation of European industrial regions. A new urban culture is growing on what were once closed production sites, combining density, diversity and participation. Areas such as VoltaNord are creating affordable living space and promoting social diversity. Klybeckplus and Klybeckquai are opening up the Rhine area for living, education and leisure. A milestone for urban networking by 2037.

    The cityscape is also changing on the outskirts. The Dreispitz-Nord area combines commerce with urban living, while the Wolf area and Walkeweg are giving rise to new forms of energy-efficient, neighbourly neighbourhoods. In the north, Vordere St. Johann is developing into the region’s centre of knowledge and health with its campus, university and hospital. Projects such as Westfeld are creating places of coexistence that combine building culture, sustainability and social innovation.

    Basel is thus becoming a laboratory for the urban future – characterised by cooperation, down-to-earthness and foresight.

    Rosental Mitte
    Rosental Mitte is developing from a closed industrial area into a permeable, diverse business location. In addition to workspaces, the canton of Basel-Stadt is gradually creating new spaces for living and leisure. Existing structures are being respectfully rebuilt, with historical elements retained as anchors of identity. Public paths and green spaces connect the neighbourhoods, promoting interaction and mobility. One third of the apartments are being built in the affordable segment. Rosental Mitte stands for forward-looking urban development and sustainable urban quality of life.
    rosentalmitte.ch

    VoltaNord
    VoltaNord is a lively district for around 1,500 to 2,000 residents and up to 2,500 jobs being built on the former Lysbüchel site in the north of Basel. Two-thirds of the new flats are affordable and promote social diversity. The development combines dense working and living with added value for the St. Johann district. A new primary school and attractive open spaces make the site a future-oriented place to live, learn and work.
    voltanord.ch

    klybeckplus
    The former industrial site in the north of Basel is being transformed into a mixed-use urban quarter between the Rhine and Wiese rivers. Around 300,000 square metres of space for living and working is being created for up to 15,000 people. Owners Rhystadt AG and Swiss Life AG are developing the site in collaboration with the canton of Basel-Stadt. The 2022 urban development model forms the basis for this. New tram lines, roads, parks and school locations are creating a network of future-oriented neighbourhoods with an urban character.
    klybeckplus.ch

    Klybeckquai & Westquai
    Klybeckquai and Westquai are being transformed from industrial port areas into lively urban landscapes on the Rhine. The relocation of the port railway is creating space for new uses and opening up the urban landscape towards the water. A mixed-use residential neighbourhood with schools, daycare centres and green courtyards is growing on Klybeckquai. After 2029, Westquai is set to become a diverse location for work, culture, leisure and nature. Both areas are developing into sustainable, future-proof neighbourhoods in line with the Net Zero 2037 initiative.
    klybeck-kleinhüningen.ch

    Dreispitz North
    The Dreispitz Nord area on the eastern edge of Gundeldingen is undergoing change: where the MParc shopping centre, the OBI DIY and garden centre and other commercial enterprises still dominate today, a new, diverse district is emerging. The Christoph Merian Foundation and the Migros Basel cooperative are jointly shaping the future of the area. The urban development concept by Herzog & de Meuron enables the development of residential space and attractive green and open spaces, and promotes a mixed-use, forward-looking neighbourhood with a lively character.
    dreispitznord.ch

    Walkeweg site
    The six-hectare Walkeweg site in the south of Basel is being developed into a lively, family-friendly residential neighbourhood. Up to 650 people will be able to live here affordably and energy-efficiently. The canton and SBB are working with building cooperatives to create a diverse range of affordable and compact apartments. A new primary school, spacious natural areas, communal courtyards and a green neighbourhood square and park create space for social interaction and sustainable quality of life. The development follows the principle of “low cost – low energy”.
    areal-walkeweg.ch

    Wolf site
    The Wolf site is being transformed from a freight station into an urban district with a variety of uses. Around 550 flats are being built in the west, a third of which are affordable, while the east will feature office, logistics and commercial space as well as public facilities. Historic buildings are being preserved and integrated into the new courtyard structure, which places particular emphasis on noise and space concepts. SBB is developing and investing here as the owner, creating socially diverse and sustainable living spaces on around ten hectares in the heart of Basel.
    wolf-basel.ch

    Vorderes St. Johann
    Vorderes St. Johann in the north of Basel is developing into an important location for research, education and health. Over the next few years, new buildings for clinics, universities, libraries and private research institutes will be constructed around the Schällemätteli campus and the university hospital. The canton is also pushing ahead with the development of new tram lines and transport projects. A total of 16 construction and infrastructure projects are being implemented, supported by both private and public actors, which will secure the future of the district as a centre of knowledge and health.
    vorderes-stjohann.ch

    University Hospital Basel: Health Campus
    With its Health Campus, the University Hospital Basel is pursuing a comprehensive development plan to ensure competitiveness and cope with increasing pressure on usage. New buildings such as Clinic 2 by Giuliani Hönger and Clinic 3 by Herzog & de Meuron offer flexible use, modern processes and urban quality. A new development plan regulates the development of the entire site, including green spaces and listed buildings. The construction projects are expected to be completed by 2039 and will strengthen Basel’s position as a healthcare location in the long term.
    unispital-basel.ch

    Westfeld
    On the former Felix Platter Hospital site in the Iselin district, Westfeld is creating a diverse urban quarter with 525 new apartments, converted existing buildings and space for commercial and social services. The wohnen&mehr cooperative is committed to sustainable construction and promotes new living models and community spirit through a neighbourhood garden, Westfeldplatz square and local services. The second construction phase will bring further apartments, commercial space and a bicycle pavilion. Westfeld is creating new meeting places and enriching the neighbourhood in a sustainable way.
    wohnen-mehr.ch



  • Large area awaiting redevelopment for residential and commercial use

    Large area awaiting redevelopment for residential and commercial use

    HIAG Immobilien AG plans to transform the old Metalli industrial site on the Birs river in Dornach into a mixed-use area for living, working and leisure over a period of up to 20 years. The master plan for the new Wydeneck site envisages 70 per cent residential use for the area of over 130,000 square metres. At least 30,000 square metres are earmarked for commercial and business use. This creates the potential for 600 jobs.

    From the perspective of the Schwarzbubenland location promotion agency, this is not enough. According to a statement, it is calling for the site to be made attractive for the creation of as many high-quality jobs as possible. The focus on residential use carries “the risk of losing valuable commercial space for the future due to short-term profit considerations”.

    Representatives of the location promotion agency, HIAG Immobilien and the municipality have therefore met to discuss the future of the site. HIAG pointed out that “thanks to flexible and forward-looking building and zoning regulations, a higher proportion of commercial use is also possible in principle”.

    Swissmetal will leave the site by the end of 2026. The existing temporary uses can then be expanded. Major structural changes are to be carried out in line with the expansion of the infrastructure. From 2030, the new Dornach-Apfelsee S-Bahn station will connect the site directly to public transport.

  • Schlieren and Zurich cooperate on the expansion of Schlieren North-East

    Schlieren and Zurich cooperate on the expansion of Schlieren North-East

    The cities of Schlieren and Zurich have agreed in a letter of intent to jointly plan and develop Schlieren Nordost. According to a statement issued by the city administration, the agreement specifically concerns a 324,000 square metre area within the overall site. This area is located in Schlieren and belongs to the city of Zurich.

    The aim of the contracting parties is to establish a “binding mission statement by 2030”. This will set out strategic goals and framework conditions for the future urban development and use of the area.

    The area is of considerable benefit to both cities. For Zurich, it is “an important land reserve”, while for Schlieren it plays a role in future urban planning. The cooperation is therefore “a basis for further planning steps and decisions” for both cities.

    Zurich wants to use the cooperation to clarify the future approach to its site “at an early stage and on a solid planning basis”. Various building rights will expire there between 2043 and 2050.

    Schlieren has been working on the further development of several large sites for a number of years. “The north-east remains the largest contiguous development area in the municipality,” it says.

  • Riet II makes the supply more crisis-proof

    Riet II makes the supply more crisis-proof

    The St.Gallen region is making its drinking water supply fit for the coming decades. With the decision in favour of the new Riet II lake water plant in Goldach, the existing plant in Frasnacht is being given a second pillar of equal value. Today, the supply of the twelve participating municipalities in Eastern Switzerland depends largely on this one source of supply in the event of an emergency. A risk that no longer fulfils the federal requirements for severe shortages. Riet II is intended to close precisely this gap and ensure supplies even if a plant fails or Lake Constance can only be used to a limited extent at times.

    The new plant will be realised on the site of the existing Riet high-pressure pumping station in Goldach. Around 60 million Swiss francs have been budgeted for construction and equipment. The costs will be borne by the twelve shareholder partners of RWSG Regionale Wasserversorgung St.Gallen AG in accordance with a new distribution model, which will be passed on to end customers via the water prices in future. The fact that all partner municipalities are unanimously in favour of the project and financing shows the high strategic importance: drinking water is treated as a critical infrastructure that must function just as robustly in the event of a crisis as it does in everyday life.

    With Riet II, the RWSG is expanding its role as the backbone of the regional water infrastructure. It is responsible for collecting raw water, treating it and transporting it to the municipal networks and supplies more than 150,000 people with drinking, process and extinguishing water. In future, it will operate two lake water works, Frasnacht and Goldach, as well as the Riet high-pressure pumping station and the associated transport pipelines. This will benefit urban centres such as St.Gallen and Arbon as well as smaller partner communities from Abtwil-St.Josefen to Teufen. The new plant is therefore more than just a construction project: it is a long-term promise of security for an entire region.

  • Return of the wild waters at Schänzli

    Return of the wild waters at Schänzli

    The Schänzli site marks the beginning of a new era in landscape planning along the River Birs. The winning project, “Aqua fera” by Berchtold.Lenzin Landscape Architects, Versaplan and Holinger, frees the river from its rigid form and gives it freedom of movement. Shallow water zones, low-water channels and near-natural banks create habitats for fish, birds and amphibians, strengthen groundwater protection and make the floodplain landscape accessible again.

    Visitor guidance via wooden walkways, piles of branches and defined paths protects sensitive areas, while a refreshment bar and small event areas at the northern entrance provide space for people to meet. Towards the south, the terrain becomes quieter, merging into the Vogelhölzli nature reserve and opening up new perspectives on a revitalised Birs. Noise barriers along the motorway shield the area and at the same time form a new connection to the Käppeli district.

    City on the river
    The new Am Schänzli quarter borders directly on the nature reserve. Three high-rise buildings with around 400 flats, offices, restaurants and leisure facilities, together with spacious open areas and commercial space, form a lively urban fragment at the gateway to Basel. The development meets the SNBS Gold Standard, focusing on photovoltaics, heat recovery, green roofs and a compact design with biodiversity zones between the buildings.

    The mobility strategy prioritises slow traffic. Cycle, foot and tram connections link the neighbourhood with Basel-Stadt, the Birspark recreational area and the Hagnau sites. The principle of “open space through density” demonstrates its power here: a better quality of life through compact, intelligently organised construction.

    Cooperation and implementation
    The site development is financed by value-added levies on landowners in Hagnau and through public-private cooperation with the municipality of Muttenz. The neighbourhood planning process, which was approved after intensive public participation, forms the basis for the coordinated overall development of Hagnau East, Hagnau West and the Schänzli site.

    Construction of the high-rise buildings began in spring 2025 and will be completed in stages by 2029. While Am Schänzli is growing, the southern river area remains undeveloped and is becoming the backbone of a coherent green network between the city and the countryside.

    A model for the future of cities and nature
    The Schänzli project is symbolic of the new generation of Swiss urban development: ecologically regenerative, architecturally precise, socially integrated. It proves that economic density and ecological diversity are not mutually exclusive, but can reinforce each other.

    With “Aqua fera”, the Birs is not only being renaturalised, it is being reintroduced into everyday urban life. Muttenz is thus demonstrating how forward-looking planning can harmonise open space, climate resilience and urban quality of life. The Schänzli is becoming a living transition between city and nature and a powerful symbol for the return of wild waters.

  • Relocation creates development opportunity with lake view

    Relocation creates development opportunity with lake view

    Because it no longer meets the current requirements for a modern health centre, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital will be relocated to Schenkon together with the Seeblick nursing home. According to a statement, the canton, as the owner, and the city of Sursee want to plan an attractive future for the 47,000 square metre site.

    Initial assessments indicate that the site is suitable for mixed-use development with residential and commercial premises. This would allow for the creation of residential facilities for families, couples, singles and senior citizens, with services and restaurants completing the site. The site, located above Lake Sempach, is in close proximity to the old town of Sursee and already has good access to various modes of transport.

    “The move opens up a unique opportunity to repurpose the previous location in Sursee,” said Reto Wyss, member of the cantonal government, in the announcement. “This attractive site with lake views in a good location is to be rezoned for this purpose. The next planning steps will show what is feasible and where.” The planning phase for the new neighbourhood is set to begin in spring 2026, when the hospital starts to move. Various meetings with the local population and interest groups are planned. The site is expected to be vacant from 2034 and could be redeveloped. The possibility of incorporating the existing building fabric is also being considered.