immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Regions

  • Forest Tower: creative center in the lower Aare valley

    Forest Tower: creative center in the lower Aare valley

    As a six-storey building with a wooden facade and ribbon windows, the Forest Tower protrudes over the Kleindöttingen industrial park – an area with an industrial history in the lower Aare valley, which is now primarily used by logistics-intensive and production-oriented companies as a location.

    The former production building was converted into an office building earlier. So far, the owner Hiag has advertised the office space contiguously. Now she wants to liven up the rooms with a new idea: The Forest Tower is to become a creative hotspot. In order to realize the project, Hiag is looking for creative minds – companies, private individuals, freelancers and self-employed – who want to settle in the Forest Tower. As soon as two or three interested parties agree, the owner wants to start renovating the first floor.

    For teams that need their own office, office space of various sizes and with plenty of daylight should be created. A shared studio should provide space for creative work, for example with a work area in the middle of the room and with additional workplaces on the walls. A co-working space is also being planned.

    A common meeting room should be created for meetings, customer presentations or workshops. The Community Area, a communal area with a coffee kitchen and lounge, is to serve as a meeting point. The Ideation Salon, a room with a large screen, whiteboard and moderation material, is intended to provide a creative environment for workshops and networking. Company aperitifs with a view of the Klingnau reservoir could soon take place on the roof of the building. The fast internet, a professional printer and the common rooms should be available to the entire Forest Tower community.

    Kleindöttingen is part of the so-called Zurzibiet, an economic region that is also gaining in importance on a supraregional level. It comprises 26 communities between Baden and Brugg. The area is characterized, among other things, by its convenient location and moderate cost structure. The proximity to research and innovation centers makes it particularly attractive for qualified specialists and companies.

  • Küttigen: Former tree nursery as a residential area

    Küttigen: Former tree nursery as a residential area

    The "Baumgarten" is being built in a sunny south-west location with a view of the Aare and Central Switzerland. 143 rental and owner-occupied apartments as well as 20 terraced houses are planned.

    The development consists of three building areas with different living space concepts. Ffkb Architects, Zurich, designed the row houses in the lower part of the residential area. The bark-brown houses in the central area of the building were designed by ERP Architects in Baden. And Frei Architekten, Aarau, is responsible for the red-red houses in the northern part.

    Thanks to their clever geometry, the multi-family houses should fit into the park-like landscape. Large gaps between the structures should allow maximum views and sun exposure for the individual apartments.

    The houses will be built in hybrid construction with load-bearing interior walls and non-load-bearing facade elements. Wood is used as a common denominator for the exterior walls of all house types. On the one hand, because the client works in the timber construction industry. On the other hand, in order to pay tribute to the character of the former tree nursery area and to pick up on its history.

    The planning of the surroundings should also combine the various construction areas into a large whole. Hager Partner, Zurich, also takes up the themes of the former tree nursery. Part of the tree population will be preserved.

    Markstein was entrusted with the building trust mandate and the marketing of the new building project by the client Rombach Immobilien. The real estate service provider will accompany it until it goes into operation at the beginning of 2023 and has already started the market launch of the property.

    The building permit was in place at the end of January 2021, and construction work began in mid-March 2021.

  • Better late than never

    Better late than never

    Actually, Brown-Boveri-Platz should have been rebuilt now and opened in summer 2022. But private construction work on the multi-storey car park led to delays: “The reasons are the later start of construction of the multi-storey car park and extensive relocation of the works”, René Zolliker from Baden's construction planning department told Immo! Nvest. Construction is now scheduled to start in summer 2023. About a year later, in autumn 2024, Brown-Boveri-Platz is to be opened. The redesigned square fulfills two basic functions: Firstly, the square is a place of passage and residence for passers-by, employees, customers and residents for around 300 days a year. Second, public events take place on the square for around 50 days. «The present project meets both requirements. The two-row wreath of trees creates the atmosphere that should characterize the new town square, and the inner open space of 40 x 50 m creates the necessary space for events with up to 2000 people, ”says Zolliker. Basically, the place is free from motorized traffic. Exceptions are the deliveries of goods for the ABB shipping company and the transformer center as well as the journeys of emergency vehicles by the rescue services.

    Use with benchmarks
    But how do you skillfully revitalize a space above a garage these days? The basic paper on the use of space with several benchmarks was already drawn up for the competition in a broad-based process: During the day, access to industry, trade, education, culture and leisure activities should be guaranteed. In the afternoon, the square will serve as a forecourt to the transformer halls, cinemas and the hotel, as well as an outdoor space for the congress center. In the project team led by the planning and construction department, in addition to the commissioned planner, the municipal departments civil engineering, works yard, urban ecology, location marketing, development planning, culture and the city police were represented. ABB Immobilien AG, Regionalwerke AG Baden and the planning team Hochhaus Ost / Parkhaus Brown-Boveri-Platz were also involved in the planning process. The biggest hurdle was the building credit approval by the residents' council. But now it should finally start.

  • Lighthouse project in the canton of Aargau

    Lighthouse project in the canton of Aargau

    Switzerland is at the forefront of the most innovative countries in the world: "We are building a high-tech ecosystem here, based on the research focus of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)," Benno Rechsteiner, CEO of Innovaare AG told Immo! Nvest. “With its top-class large research facilities, PSI is the largest research institute in Switzerland. In order to promote exchange with industry, several departments are moving into the innovation campus, which is connected to the PSI site by an underpass. This gives you direct access to the particle accelerator opposite. " Park Innovaare already houses 17 high-tech companies in existing buildings. These companies originate from research at the Paul Scherrer Institute, ETH, EPFL and CERN. "For us, a mix of research departments, large industrial companies, development-oriented SMEs and high-tech start-ups is ideal."

    Greatest possible flexibility
    In order to meet the demands of a modern innovation campus in the long term, the property must be built as flexibly as possible so that later adjustments are possible: to enter into settling companies ». says Rechsteiner, who sees the Innovaare Park as a lighthouse project in the canton of Aargau.

    Renewable energy sources
    Around 95 percent of the heat requirements of Park Innovaare are covered by waste heat from cooling and around five percent by PSI's district heating network. Highly efficient HFO machines, which draw their energy from the Aare, are used to efficiently generate the cooling energy. From this point of view, the energy requirements of the 38,000 m2 innovation campus for heating and cooling are largely met from renewable sources.

  • A glass tower for bathing

    A glass tower for bathing

    Fritz Merker from Merker Liegenschaften AG is enthusiastic about Angela Deuber's work: “What fascinates me most is the light, airy appearance of the building,” he says. “The niches created by the re-entrant facades, together with the vertical structure from the cantilevered balcony layer, create an overall composition that blends in well with the small-scale surroundings. At the same time, the construction method enables maximum flexibility in terms of apartment sizes and floor plans. " Most of all, Merker is looking forward to the possibility of being able to offer both urban living and commercial space in this central location. Merker Liegenschaften AG is currently in the middle of the process of adapting the special usage plan. One of these has existed for this area since 2003, albeit for an eight-story office building. "With the construction of apartments we want to make a contribution to the mix of living and working in the middle of the up-and-coming district of Baden Nord." The property has been owned by Merker Liegenschaften AG for 20 years. The long wait was definitely worth it: "We can serve the city and the population better with an offer of living space than with even more office space."

    Hybrid use
    Angela Deuber's project emerged as the winner of the competition, not least because it fits perfectly into the existing building fabric of the city of Baden. At the same time, it creates a reference to the existing and planned high-rise buildings in the area. And how is the use of the new Merker Tower planned today? “A mixed use of rental and owner-occupied apartments is planned. The lower floors are designed as a so-called hybrid, which means that they can be used either for residential purposes or as service or commercial space. Public use is planned for the over-high ground floor. Speaking of the energy budget: it is very likely that the high-rise will be connected to the city's district heating network, which is currently being expanded and upgraded to include renewable energies.

    Chur architect Angela Deuber in her element.
  • A milestone for Kapo Aarau

    A milestone for Kapo Aarau

    The construction project and the cost estimate for the new police building are available. The public hearing required by law has already been carried out and the building permit has also been issued. In the 3rd quarter of 2021, the Grand Council will decide on the construction loan and its implementation. "A police building is not a building like any other functional cantonal building," says Markus Richner from the Department of Economics and Internal Affairs in the canton of Aargau. "On the one hand, there are special requirements in terms of security, on the other hand, various special uses such as a laboratory, shooting rooms or a room for close combat training – also known as a dojo – must be guaranteed." The construction project is fundamentally undisputed. But as with any other large and complex project, keeping within budget was the greatest challenge. "We assume that the Grand Council will approve the project and the loan applied for in order to create good framework conditions for the further development of the cantonal police," said Richner.

    The police building is definite.

    Additional overall renovation
    After 30 years of operation in 7×24-hour mode, a complete renovation of the police command building is due. This applies in particular to the ventilation and sanitary facilities, including cables, as well as those for high and low current. In addition, structural adjustments are necessary due to changes in use. The improvements in the energetic area are also essential – especially the facade. According to Richner, the planning work was not significantly influenced by the corona pandemic: “All deadlines were met as planned. Due to the corona, many meetings did not take place on site, but rather virtually. I'm really looking forward to the moment when we can hand over the finished new building to the canton police. This is a milestone for the canton police. "

  • An attractive future for Konnex

    An attractive future for Konnex

    The Konnex building at Brown-Boveri-Strasse 7 in Baden caused a sensation after its completion in 1995: the owners let the former showpiece of energy-saving construction cost around 150 million francs. Theo Hotz, who has since died, was responsible for the building, which at the time had 2,100 jobs.

    In 2015, the US company General Electric took over the energy division of Alstom Power and thus also the employees in Konnex. But at the beginning of 2020, the company announced its large-scale withdrawal from Switzerland. After the last employees moved out, the 42,500 square meter building has been vacant since March 31, 2021.

    But this is about to change: Under the patronage of Brandenberger + Ruosch AG (B + R), a new use as a multi-tenant building was developed on behalf of the owners. B + R is responsible for the project initiation through to marketing and commissioning vis-à-vis the owners. Theo Hotz Partner AG was again engaged as general planner.

    Although the building was designed for flexible use when it was built, some adjustments are required: “We are planning rental space from 550 square meters. These must be made individually accessible. In future, it should be possible to bill the ancillary costs individually for each area, ”explains Thomas Andermatt from B + R. From July 1st, the first tenants can move in for temporary use. For future long-term tenants, July 1, 2022 is the key date. Upon request, the project organization offers the planning and implementation of the individual tenant fit-out.

    A bird's eye view of the Konnex building.

    More attractive and livelier thanks to mix-use
    Externally, too, the Konnex needs to be refreshed: “The building envelope is being renovated and the surrounding area is being redesigned. We replace the flat roofs and equip them with photovoltaic systems. In addition, the sun protection must be improved, ”says Andermatt. The building is already connected to the district heating of the city of Baden; now district cooling is added. Andermatt: "This is how we can further increase energy efficiency."

    In a direct comparison to the development status of the ABB site in Zurich-Oerlikon, the site in Baden is currently lagging significantly, adds Andermatt. And: “In Oerlikon we have an attractive area with a strong combination of different types of living, work, schools, as well as catering and leisure options. The area in Baden is attractive – but today it lacks life outside of working hours, ”he is convinced. Konnex wants to make its contribution to a more attractive area design: "On the ground floor we are planning various catering units and service facilities such as a day-care center, shopping facilities and an outpatient clinic," Andermatt reveals.

    The project development takes place in close consultation with the city of Baden. In the future, the ABB site is to include a mix of commercial living, working and service offerings. The Konnex will keep the main focus in the area of office use, but make it as attractive as possible. "We are planning various green zones inside and outside the building." The first lease negotiations are already underway. For Andermatt it is clear: "The new Konnex and the entire ABB site in Baden will in future be at least as attractive as the one in Zurich-Oerlikon."

  • Innovative quarter on the Henz site

    Innovative quarter on the Henz site

    At the Suhr Süd train station, an innovative quarter is being created that combines living and working. To this end, the Henz area – the former location of the steel trading company of the same name – is being completely converted. Condominiums and rental apartments are being built here, some of which can be moved around at the push of a button. The four to twelve storey buildings are characterized, among other things, by their open courtyards. The new quarter connects to the urban train station quarter in the north. In the south, according to the SSA Architekten AG commissioned with the project, the “scale transition to the Helgenfeld and Frohdörfli developments” is successful.
    59 condominiums and 143 rental apartments as well as studios and movements – these are furnished apartments with movable modules – as well as commercial, restaurant and service areas are to offer residents a meeting point for young and old after completion in autumn 2023. A 40 meter high building with 12 floors will be particularly striking. Here, on areas of 72 to 119 square meters, 2.5 to 5.5 room apartments with loggias are being built that are for sale. A restaurant and at least two should be on the ground floor
    Service companies settled
    will.

    The garden house has four floors. The condominiums are designed as 2.5 to 5.5 room apartments. With living areas of 68 to 129 m2, loggias, terraces or garden seats, the larger apartments are particularly suitable for families. The so-called courtyard building provides for 15 condominiums. Two more buildings with rental apartments and studios are being built along Gränicherstrasse and Bernstrasse West.

    A public square with a café and playground as well as various open spaces connect the area with the surrounding quarters via a network of paths. The property on the southwest corner of the area offers additional outside space. On the other side of the street, a green area belonging to the Henz area with a playground and pavilion is being built. Various commercial and service areas are planned on the ground floors of the building. These uses are intended to enliven and enrich the quarter. The studio areas allow flexible use of living and working.

    The sustainable energy strategy includes the supply of district heating from the Buchs waste incineration plant. The energy for the gentle cooling of the apartments in the high-rise is generated by solar energy. Photovoltaic systems on the site generate part of the household electricity. The parking garage is equipped with a charging infrastructure for e-bikes and electric cars.

    Condominiums can be configured online by their future residents. Visiting your own four walls in the future is already possible thanks to virtual reality (VR). Halter AG is continuously registering bookings for this offer: "Customers are thrilled with how well they can imagine the premises and, in particular, the view and the ceiling height of 2.60 to 2.80 meters," says Agathe Siffrin from Primus Property AG who takes care of sales for Halter AG. “The combination of VR, configurator and showroom is the optimal solution for showing apartments that will only be ready for occupancy in around two years”, she continues. As of today, over 50 percent of the condominiums are already reserved. The rental starts next year. Interested parties can register for the one to two-hour VR and advisory tour free of charge via the website.

  • A residential area to feel good

    A residential area to feel good

    With this project, Steiner AG is creating living space for young people, singles, couples, families and senior citizens. In the new quarter there will be attractive housing offers, private retreats and communal meeting areas. Numerous green areas with playgrounds and playgrounds invite you to spend a lot of time outside. At first glance, the many green and recreational areas as well as the bright apartments catch the eye: "We have placed great emphasis on open, well-lit interiors with a beautiful view, which ensure a pleasant, feel-good climate, peace and relaxation," says Stefan Gabriel, Team Leader Real Estate Development at Steiner AG. «The apartments are barrier-free, functional and can be flexibly furnished. Private gardens and community gardens invite you to linger and round off the multi-generational living in the quarter. "

    Here, a fallow industrial area is being transformed into a new place to live in the countryside. Existing listed buildings such as the barn and the Alte Post are carefully integrated and revitalized for living and common areas. This project aims to create a comfortable living area that will enrich Fischbach-Göslikon.

    Contemporary renovation
    Steiner AG sees its project as a symbol of the connection between the past and the future of Fischbach-Göslikon. “The listed barn is an important cultural and historical witness in the community and in the neighborhood – a building that needs to be preserved. The barn is being gently but modernly renovated and used for new purposes. A day-care center with 16 places and a workshop are to be built on the ground floor. A common room for various occasions, such as birthdays or family celebrations, is planned on the upper floor. The room can also be rented by the public, ”says Gabriel.

    Start of construction in 2022
    The start of construction on the first stage is scheduled for 2022. The overall project, which consists of three stages and should be completed by 2032, will one day include 165 residential units in 10 apartment buildings and 46 row single-family houses. Due to the current design plan, there must be an interval of four years between building applications. Gabriel concludes: “We are now expecting the building permit for the first stage to become legally binding. We are pleased about the excellent cooperation with the authorities and everyone involved. This is an important prerequisite for such a project to be implemented successfully. "

    The 165 residential units are all very bright.
  • Timber construction project for the Rockwell area

    Timber construction project for the Rockwell area

    The Aarau Aeschbachquartier with 167 rental apartments, 92 condominiums, the Aeschbachhalle and the Oehlerpark as well as 4600 square meters of commercial space is being expanded. A large part of the Rockwell area, which belongs to the western part of Torfeld Süd, will be linked to the existing quarter. This is made possible because Rockwell Automation GmbH is largely giving up operations there. Only research and development will remain at the site.

    The owner of the area, Mobimo Management AG, invited five architecture firms to participate in a study. The specifications were defined as follows: The project is to be carried out in wood and meet the SNBS Gold standard. The client also wanted a clear contrast to the existing and planned properties in Torfeld Süd.
    Baumberger & Stegmeier Architects from Zurich emerged victorious from the process. In collaboration with Hoffmann Müller Landschaftsarchitekten and Pirmin Jung Holzbauingenieur, your project provides for an extension of the historic Hall 5. This is supplemented by a courtyard-like new building in the desired timber construction and a spacious square. This creates 110 barrier-free rental apartments of various sizes. In addition, alternative forms of living such as cluster apartments and five commercial units are planned. The timber construction is also consistently implemented inside the property. Several green areas and trees are distributed over the site and take up the vision of the Aeschbach district – that of an «Urban Village».

    The first groundbreaking should take place in mid-2023. Completion is scheduled for mid-2025.

  • Swica and Steiner build in Aarau

    Swica and Steiner build in Aarau

    The health organization Swica from Winterthur and Steiner AG from Zurich want to realize a mixed-use development in the Aarau district of Scheibenschachen, Steiner informs in a press release . Three buildings with a total of around 90 rental and owner-occupied apartments as well as commercial space are to be erected on an area of around 4,000 square meters. A building worthy of protection that is already on the site will be integrated into the project, explains the Zurich-based project development, total and general contractor.

    In a first step, the two partner companies want to carry out a study contract for the development of a project plan. It should then be specified and submitted for approval. Construction is scheduled to start in 2023. The construction work should be completed by the end of 2025.

    The Scheibenschachen district, which is within walking distance of the historic center of Aarau, has developed "into a popular residential area" over the years, Steiner writes in the press release. According to her, the Zurich-based company has already built two more large residential developments in Scheibenschachen.

  • Homeownership achieves record prices

    Homeownership achieves record prices

    Those who want to live in their own four walls have to dig deeper into their pockets. The prices for owner-occupied residential property rose to new record levels in the second quarter, informs Raiffeisen Switzerland in a statement on the current transaction index of the cooperative banking group. "Despite the rampant pandemic and historical economic upheavals, the desire for home ownership remains strong," Martin Neff is quoted as saying. For the chief economist at Raiffeisen Switzerland, the “unchecked price increases” are signs of a “very tight supply” demand for residential property.

    The prices for single-family homes in the second quarter of 2021 were 2.1 percent above those of the previous quarter, the announcement further explains. In a year-on-year comparison, prices rose by 6.1 percent. An increase of 2.4 percent compared to the previous quarter was observed for condominiums. In a year-on-year comparison, prices were 4.9 percent higher.

    In terms of regions, the analysts at Raiffeisen Switzerland recorded the highest year-on-year increase in single-family homes with 11.3 percent in the Lake Geneva region. In Eastern Switzerland and Central Switzerland, too, prices were more than 9 percent higher than in the same quarter of the previous year. The prices for condominiums rose within the year by 7.9 and 7.0 percent respectively in the regions of southern Switzerland and Bern. Far higher prices than in the previous year were achieved for condominiums, especially in tourist communities.

  • SV Hotel opens new Courtyard by Marriott hotel

    SV Hotel opens new Courtyard by Marriott hotel

    The catering and hotel management group SV Group , based in Dübendorf, has been operating a new hotel under the Courtyard by Marriott brand since July 5th. It is located in a new building designed by Hadi Teherani on Bismarckallee in Freiburg and will in future offer families, individual and business travelers overnight and stay opportunities on 5000 square meters, according to a media release .

    It is the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the Black Forest region and the fourth of this brand after hotels in Zurich, Basel and Munich. With an interior design inspired by the Black Forest region, the hotel differs from the others. "Starting with the lighting in the entrance, through the carpets in the hallways to wall wallpapers with subtle tree patterns, our guests keep coming across our topic", Johannes Frank, hotel manager at SV Hotel, is quoted in the press release.

    In the hotel's restaurant, international cuisine with seasonal and regional products from the Black Forest is served all day. There is also a fitness room and lobby that are open around the clock. The rooms have WiFi, flat-screen TVs, ergonomic work areas and Marriott beds.

    The SV Group has been working as a franchisee with Marriott International since 2004. She also teamed up with Volksbank Freiburg to run the hotel in the new building project on Bismarckallee. "With SV Hotel we have found an experienced and reliable partner with whom we can use the commercial space of the area attractively", Uwe Barth, spokesman for the board of Volksbank Freiburg, is quoted in the media release.

  • Zurich's Manufakt8048 business park is open

    Zurich's Manufakt8048 business park is open

    The Manufakt8048 business park has been completed. On Thursday, the building owner Swisscanto , the developer and general contractor Steiner AG , architects, project partners and future tenants celebrated the opening of the new modular building complex in Zurich-Altstetten. In a media release , Steiner AG also announced that in the coming years, with Manufakt8820 and Manufakt8409, two more industrial parks will be built in Wädenswil ZH and Winterthur based on the same concept.

    Steiner AG describes its special manufacturing concept as sustainable and multidimensional. It offers shared meeting rooms that can be used as required, as well as so-called flex offices and meeting areas. In order to make commercial rents affordable, especially for young companies, Steiner AG has improved space efficiency with areas that can be used jointly, for example. This can be "implemented well in reception areas, meeting rooms or lounges", says her Head Real Estate, Michael Schiltknecht. This is particularly interesting for start-ups, "who don't have to rent everything right away".

    As it is said, the Manufakt8048 commercial property benefits from the attractive environment in the “up-and-coming urban quarter” in the west of Zurich in the immediate vicinity of the Zurich-Altstetten train station. It thus offers "ideal conditions for companies from a wide variety of industries".

  • ImmoScout24 relies on iptiQ

    ImmoScout24 relies on iptiQ

    ImmoScout24 wants to offer customers residing in Germany a rental loss insurance. To this end, the real estate platform of the Scout24 Group is working together with the white label insurer iptiQ from Swiss Re , the Zurich insurance group informs in a message . The offer launched under the ImmoScout24 brand covers the complete or partial loss of up to six monthly rents including ancillary costs. The insurance can be taken out and managed online.

    "With the digital ImmoScout24 loss of rent insurance, we are providing private landlords with an innovative service that makes renting safer for them," Ralf Weitz, Managing Director of ImmoScout24, is quoted in the press release. This could be particularly relevant in times of the pandemic, says Weitz. ImmoSout24 takes on the role of the registered agent in the partnership.

    IptiQ is responsible for covering all insurance-related aspects of the community offer, is further explained in the communication. "With ImmoScout24 we have the ideal partner in Germany to be able to offer customers tailor-made insurance products in the household sector online exactly when it matters", Andreas Schertzinger, CEO iptiQ EMEA P&C, is quoted there.

    The Scout24 group belongs to the insurance group Mobiliar and the media group Ringier . In addition to the real estate platform ImmoScout24, the network of online marketplaces operates the platforms AutoScout24, FinanceScout24, MotoScout24, the classified ads platform Anibis and the marketer Scout24 Advertising.

  • Solothurn economic barometer

    Solothurn economic barometer

    The evaluation of the first-time survey among the members of the Solothurn Chamber of Commerce and the Cantonal Solothurn Trade Association on the Solothurn Economic Barometer shows that the economy is returning to the growth zone. There are big differences in the industries. The sectors affected by the lockdowns are suffering, but since the beginning of the year large parts of industry and economic services have returned to a steep growth path.

  • Foreign real estate is becoming more attractive

    Foreign real estate is becoming more attractive

    The majority of the companies active in the real estate market did not allow their risk behavior to be adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, writes EY Switzerland in a report on the current “ Asset Management Survey ”. For the study, EY Switzerland and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts examined the activities of 52 Swiss real estate investors and pension funds. According to the results, most of the respondents intend to continue investing in domestic and increasingly also in foreign real estate in the future.

    "The pandemic has hardly any noticeable impact on the general demand from investors for real estate investments that remain without alternative in the low interest rate environment and especially in uncertain times," Karl Frank Meinzer, Head of Real Estate at EY Switzerland, is quoted in the press release. According to Casper Studer, however, the focus of investments has shifted to more pandemic-resistant properties. "This is particularly true of properties that are used for living and logistics," explains the real estate expert at EY Switzerland. According to the surveys of the analysts, around seven out of ten respondents also play a medium to large role in investment decisions.

    The concentration on residential and logistics real estate goes hand in hand with the increasing attractiveness of foreign real estate. More than six out of ten companies surveyed are planning to increase investments in foreign residential real estate; the figure for domestic residential real estate is 51 percent, according to the press release. 46 percent are interested in logistics properties abroad, and a third of those surveyed want to invest more in domestic logistics properties. On the other hand, 36 and 27 percent of those surveyed want to reduce their portfolio of retail properties in Germany and abroad.

  • House of Winterthur wants to support tourism in the region

    House of Winterthur wants to support tourism in the region

    After an outstanding 2019, tourism was hit hard by the pandemic last year, explained House of Winterthur in a communication to the General Assembly on June 24th. The promotion of the location has also felt this: its income from city taxes and the sale of city guides and other services was 518,000 francs lower than the previous year, writes House of Winterthur. With income of around 2.9 million Swiss francs and the reversal of a provision of 200,000 Swiss francs, the location support posted a loss of 147,000 Swiss francs in the year under review.

    The work of the location promotion is ensured by cantonal funds, explains House of Winterthur in the communication. Specifically, the cantonal council has decided to make a total of 840,000 francs available for location funding over a period of three years. The money is to be used for the recovery of tourism in the Winterthur region.

    "Even during the crisis it became clear: Winterthur is full of surprising success stories – thanks to creativity, adaptability and confidence", House of Winterthur director Samuel Roth is quoted in the press release. "One of the tasks of the House of Winterthur is to track down these stories and tell them on."

    Samuel Roth took over the management of House of Winterthur on August 1st last year after founding director Michael Domeisen left. With Roger Graber and Catherine Zimpfer, two more new members joined the management of House of Winterthur in 2020.

  • Emmi lays the foundation stone for a new cheese dairy

    Emmi lays the foundation stone for a new cheese dairy

    Emmi is building a modern cheese factory at its location in Emmen for 50 million francs. It will replace the existing cheese dairy building, which is over 40 years old. As stated in a press release , this new building is one of the most important investment projects in Emmi's history. On Thursday, the milk processor celebrated the start of the new project phase with the laying of the foundation stone: the building construction is being tackled. In addition to representatives from Emmi and the project partners, Council of States Damian Müller and Lucerne Councilor Fabian Peter were also present.

    Preparatory work in the area began in November. The groundbreaking took place in January. The building should be ready by the end of the year. Commissioning – initially parallel to the existing cheese dairy – is planned for the end of 2022. The new dairy offers "space for highly professional and resource-saving cheese production," the message continues. In addition, it creates additional capacities in line with the long-term growth plans.

    The Emmi Group has 25 production facilities in Switzerland. The company also has 14 subsidiaries abroad. It is also represented with production facilities in eight of them. Emmi exports its products from Switzerland to around 60 countries. "With regional milk from Central Switzerland, we will be producing even more high-quality cheeses such as our Lucerne cream cheese for the whole world in the future," said CEO Marc Heim.

    "Emmi's investments show great confidence in the regional economy and in the canton of Lucerne as a location," government councilor Peter is quoted as saying. “As an important employer, she also serves as a role model in many ways. We are proud to have Emmi in our region. "

  • City of Schlieren adopts economic strategy

    City of Schlieren adopts economic strategy

    Schlieren has developed into a strong business location just outside the gates over the past two decades. There are now 1162 companies based in the city. There are 18,500 jobs for every 19,500 inhabitants. Schlieren now ranks 20th out of 132 municipalities in the city ranking of “Bilanz”.

    The city wants to expand this strong position. This emerges from the economic strategy 2021-2025 , which was drawn up with over 80 business representatives and has now been presented .

    Schlieren starts with its existing strengths. In the field of biotech around the Bio-Technopark Schlieren , the city is to further expand its international position. On a national level, Schlieren wants to position itself even more strongly as a location for start-ups. In Schlieren, clusters in the field of medtech and health care and in ICT are also to be added to match these two topics. Schlieren wants to establish itself as a node in networks that extend far beyond the city.

    This also requires increased communication. In the future, the city also wants to communicate in English and French on selected topics.

    But the city also wants to maintain its other clusters. For example, a service agreement with Shopping Schlieren is planned in the purchasing area. Important actors are to be retained and niche providers to settle in Schlieren. The automobile cluster should also be looked after and preserved.

    A good location needs space: Areas such as the Gasi, Geistlich-Areal, Wagi, Rüti and others should receive tailor-made development strategies. A good location also needs people: the leisure and service offers should be expanded.

    The city wants to further develop the location with partners such as Limmatstadt AG and the Greater Zurich Area. An economic council made up of representatives of the companies in Schlieren is also planned to support the city in the further development of the location. There will also be a change at the top of location promotion: Albert Schweizer built it up in over two decades. He will retire in around five years; the successor should be prepared in the next few years.

  • Vial industrial park in Domat / Ems is expanded

    Vial industrial park in Domat / Ems is expanded

    The former sawmill area in Domat / Ems has been expanded into an industrial park since 2017. Hamilton was the first company to settle there in 2017. The corner parcel in the northeast of the area is now to be sold to LJH Immo AG, the government of the canton of Graubünden informs in a message . It has already approved the draft of a corresponding sales contract for the Domat / Ems community for an area of 6,477 square meters.

    LJH Immo AG is preparing the plot for the settlement of a total of four companies. The real estate company will invest between CHF 12 million and CHF 15 million for this, according to the announcement. According to her, the companies not named are four export-oriented companies "which develop profitable, innovative high-tech products or systems".

    By settling on this parcel, the workforce of the four companies is to be increased from 85 to 140 in the medium to long term, thus creating around 55 full-time positions. "The direct and indirect added value generated by the project is of great economic importance for the canton of Graubünden," emphasizes the government in the communication.

  • Army real estate only uses renewables

    Army real estate only uses renewables

    The properties of the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS ) used by the armed forces only use electricity that is generated from renewable energies, especially hydropower, the DDPS informs in a message on the current sustainability report of the Federal Office of Armaments (armasuisse ). According to her, the CO2 emissions caused by the VBS properties have also been significantly reduced compared to the previous year. Specifically, 36,600 tons of CO2 were emitted last year.

    The current sustainability report shows "how armasuisse real estate builds resource-intensive military infrastructures sustainably and operates them economically over the entire life cycle," the press release goes on to say. The report also provides important key figures. One example is the share of expenditure on planning and construction work that is attributable to local suppliers. It is estimated in the communication at 85 percent.

    In addition, the report contains a conversation with division general Thomas Kaiser, is further explained in the communication. In this, the head of the army's logistics base presented “his vision of a sustainable future for the army's logistics base”.

  • Swiss keep moving

    Swiss keep moving

    Almost 20 percent of the population moved within the last 18 months, homegate.ch informed in a message. This rate has been observed over the last year and a half, it says there. The pandemic did not reduce the attractiveness of a move. The digital real estate marketplace from TX Group is based on a relocation study it carried out.

    According to the results of the study, Switzerland is still “a land of tenants”, the communication further explains. Over seven out of ten people moved into a rented apartment. Homgate.ch observed moving in together with the partner, professional reasons and dissatisfaction with the current apartment as the most common reasons for moving. The most important criteria for the selection of the new domicile were mentioned by those questioned for the study of the price, the number of rooms and the location. Accessibility, old buildings or the Minergie standard, on the other hand, were only important to a minority in the single-digit range.

    The pandemic had "no lasting effects on moving behavior," writes homegate.ch. However, two thirds of those surveyed claimed that the pandemic had an impact on their relocation plans. The communication specifically mentions problems with viewings and postponing a planned move. In addition, 12 percent of those moving because of the lockdown moved to their partner.

  • Wunderbrücke is officially opened

    Wunderbrücke is officially opened

    The Wunderbrücke is a central project of the new Technorama adventure park in Winterthur. The 130-meter-long structure with its five percent gradient will be officially opened with a ceremony on June 19, according to a media release. It was designed by Conzett Bronzini Partner from Chur.

    Wunderbrücke and the redesign of the Technorama Park were initiated by the Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects (SIA ) around ten years ago. The area has been open to the public since April. Natural phenomena can be experienced with all the senses in the new outdoor area and experienced first hand. That makes the Technorama a versatile excursion destination, according to the SIA on the development of the park . The park was designed by the Winterthur office Krebs und Herde landscape architects.

    The background to the project is a debate about civil engineering artists without a museum. The "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" took up the topic in 2009. There is a museum for everything, she wrote at the time, except for the achievements that are central to the Swiss brand: bridges, tunnels and buildings. Today, the SIA can present itself to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year in the Technorama Park, including numerous school children. "We are pleased about a prime example of interdisciplinary cooperation that playfully inspires the youngsters for the technical professions and sensitizes several hundred thousand visitors annually to a high-quality building culture", SIA President Peter Dransfeld is quoted in a media release.

    Around 30 large exhibits can be seen and experienced on the exhibition grounds in Winterthur. According to the SIA, the “Falling Water” exhibit will cause a sensation. The Wunderbrücke plays a central role in this. A suspension bridge with dynamic vibration behavior that visitors can control will also be added.

    The Zurich Government Councilor Martin Neukom, the City President of Winterthur Michael Künzle and the President of the Board of Trustees Werner Inderbitzin will pay tribute to the Technorama at the ceremony for invited guests. Technorama director Thorsten-D. Künnemann and the Technorama staff will guide you through the event with experiments, live music and announced surprises.

  • Steiner AG builds new quarters in Fischbach-Göslikon

    Steiner AG builds new quarters in Fischbach-Göslikon

    When the building permit becomes legally binding, construction work for the Widacher project in Fischbach-Göslikon can begin in summer. The shares the project developer Steiner AG with now.

    As part of this construction project, a fallow industrial area will be converted into "a new place to live in the countryside". Listed buildings such as the barn and the Alte Post would be carefully integrated and revitalized for living and common areas.

    The start of construction on the first of three stages is scheduled for summer 2022. Initially, 16 terraced houses and 42 apartments will be built to the Minergie standard. A total of 165 residential units are to be built there in ten multi-family houses and 46 single-family houses.

  • HRS drives hotel project in Arbon

    HRS drives hotel project in Arbon

    HRS Real Estate AG from Frauenfeld would like to build a b_smart hotel on the SaurerWerk-Zwei site in Arbon, according to a media release . The real estate company has now submitted a planning application for the hotel and a neighboring building with 18 condominiums. The hotel is to have 63 hotel rooms, and catering with 70 seats, fitness and meeting rooms are also planned.

    The project is related to the closed Hotel Metropol. After its demolition, the Riva project will be implemented on the site. At a round table, an agreement was reached that Riva "with a restaurant, hall, bar, garden terrace and additional overnight accommodation is architecturally the right property in the right place," says the message. HRS has therefore decided to push ahead with the plans for the b_smart hotel. Originally, the company was of the opinion that the “economically necessary and necessary prerequisites for a new hotel would only be met with the construction of Riva”. But now it is making advance payments to create new overnight accommodations in Arbon.

    HRS works with the Liechtenstein company b_smart selection from Gamprin-Bendern. It already operates 16 hotels and motels in Liechtenstein and Switzerland. It relies on a so-called self-check-in concept, through which guests can book around the clock and check in on site. The Toni Hilti family trust and the Toni Hilti family from Liechtenstein are involved as investors in the hotel project.

  • Implenia hands over the Dialogplatz in Winterthur

    Implenia hands over the Dialogplatz in Winterthur

    Implenia ceremoniously handed over the dialogue space, which was completed in spring, to the city of Winterthur on June 8th, the real estate company informed in a message . The name of the approximately 5,800 square meter open space in the Lokstadt district of Winterthur goes back to a wage dispute at Sulzer that was settled in 1937. Implenia writes that in the future, the dialogue space should be a central place for meeting and exchanging ideas. "We are very pleased to be able to present the residents of Lokstadt and all Winterthur residents with a great town square and meeting place that can be used in many ways", Adrian Wyss, Head of Implenia's Real Estate Division, is quoted in the press release.

    Implenia developed the dialogue space, which is part of the 21,000 square meter open space in the Lokstadt district, in collaboration with the city of Winterthur. In the course of the takeover, the city will gradually be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the square. Implenia is contributing 6 million francs for future maintenance and renovation costs.

    The square, which is located in a new pedestrian zone, offers a variety of opportunities to stay, meet and play, is further explained in the communication. Specifically, Implenia lists a playground, shady trees, a system for roller sports equipment (pump track), a drinking fountain, seating and a catering area.

  • The borders disappear in the Limmatstadt

    The borders disappear in the Limmatstadt

    The customer magazine " blue " of the electricity works of the canton of Zurich ( EKZ ) dedicates its cover story to the development of the Limmatstadt. In conversation in Schlieren and at urban development centers along the Limmattalbahn, the managing director of the Limmatstadt AG location promotion company, Jasmina Ritz, explains the idea behind the project. “A city is emerging” is the title of the latest edition of “blue” with a photo of Jasmina Ritz on the roof of the Bio-Technopark in Schlieren. "Here we are in the epicenter of the urban development of the Limmatstadt," Ritz is quoted as saying. And: "From up here you can no longer see any boundaries."

    With this sentence and in the long conversation with the author Luc Descombes, the person responsible at Limmatstadt AG makes it clear that the advantages and strengths of the individual communities should be brought together in the common vision of the Limmatstadt. "That is why a common self-image is so central," Ritz is quoted as saying. According to the text of “blue”, at least 200,000 people live in the catchment area of the so-called Limmatstadt, depending on the perspective. In the opinion of Jasmina Ritz, this deserves “a strong joint appearance and powerful location marketing”.

    In the main story published under the second title "Vision Limmatstadt", the examples of the communities of Schlieren and Dietikon show the emergence of a "liveable city" across the canton border into Aargauische Spreitenbach. The importance of the Limmattalbahn, which is currently under construction, for regional merging is emphasized. Jasmina Ritz says: “Wherever a tram goes, urban space is created. The Limmattalbahn is crucial for the positive development of the region. "

    The EKZ's commitment in this area is made clear in "blue" with the company projects. The Dietikon EKZ hydropower station supplies 4,500 households, the Oberengstringen substation has been providing an additional 80 megawatts since 2020 and the EKZ has been laying dozens of kilometers of new lines and conduits for the Limmat Valley Railway since 2020 to strengthen the future power grid in the Limmat city. "Blue" appears twice a year with a circulation of 300,000 copies throughout the canton. The magazine goes to every household.

  • Cosmos construction project goes to real estate fund

    Cosmos construction project goes to real estate fund

    Mobimo is selling its building-approved Cosmos project in Dübendorf to a real estate fund managed by Credit Suisse , the Lucerne real estate company informed in apress release . In 2000, Mobimo acquired the corresponding property on Zürichstrasse. Instead of the commercial building that existed at the time, four new buildings with a total of around 170 apartments as well as areas that can be used for offices, businesses or sales are to be built.

    Construction work is scheduled to start this month. In the late summer of 2023, the buildings complying with the Sustainable Building Switzerland Standard (SNBS Gold) and the greenproperty seal of approval should be completed. Among other things, a photovoltaic system and a geothermal probe will be installed, explains Mobimo.

    “We have developed a convincing new building project from an investment property with potential,” Mobimo CEO Daniel Ducrey is quoted in the press release. "Cosmos is a good example of the interaction between active portfolio management and internal development competence."

  • Implenia impresses with sustainability

    Implenia impresses with sustainability

    In the current sustainability ranking from Sustainalytics , Implenia has further expanded its leading position in environmental, social and governance matters, the real estate company from Dietlikon informs in a press release . In concrete terms, Implenia had increased its overall rating by 5 to 84 points compared to the previous year. Implenia also took the top spot among a total of 66 real estate companies examined in the three individual sub-categories of environment, social affairs and governance.

    “This outstanding result confirms our ambitious path and we will continue to pursue it with our new sustainability goals”, Anita Eckardt, Chairwoman of Implenia’s Sustainability Committee, is quoted in the press release. “From CO2 reduction on our path to climate neutrality to the highest standards of a sustainable supply chain and circular economy, the twelve goals cover a broad spectrum of what we want to achieve in the coming years.” Implenia is making the full Sustainalytics report available on the Internet Disposal.

    Sustainalytics, based in Amsterdam, specializes in assessing the sustainability of listed companies. The evaluation is also of financial importance. More and more investors and institutional investors are showing interest in whether sustainability strategies are effective and affect supply chains and product delivery. The annual appraisal gives you an independent assessment of your investments. Implenia is currently receiving “more favorable financing terms” due to its very good rating, writes the real estate company.