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?
