Category: Espace Mittelland

Susanne Szentkuti, urban planner
You are an urban planner and co-head of the City of Thun’s planning department.
What are your core tasks?
Urban planning lays the foundations for high-quality inner-city development in the city of Thun. In doing so, we want to further strengthen the existing qualities of Thun as a place to live and work and preserve specific identities. At the same time, space is to be created for new uses so that Thun can continue to position itself as an attractive place to live and work in the future. In addition to carefully coordinating settlement development with current and future mobility, it is particularly important to preserve and connect our valuable landscape areas and qualities.

What are your biggest challenges at the moment?
We are required to harmonise the diverse and numerous demands on the limited space available as well as possible while always keeping the public interest in mind. It is not always possible to fulfil all individual interests to the maximum. One of the greatest challenges today is to sound out and communicate the diverse needs within the framework of carefully designed processes and with the appropriate involvement of stakeholders and the population. At the same time, this makes urban planning incredibly exciting. Equally important is a strong focus on high-quality public spaces and open spaces that can be used in a variety of ways. These are becoming increasingly important as inner city development progresses and we should learn to think about the city from the open spaces and not primarily from the buildings.

What are you doing for site development?
With the local planning revision (revision of the building and zoning regulations), which should soon be approved by the canton, we are creating the basis for a more efficient use of land, whether in residential, mixed or working areas. Mixed-use areas in particular should increasingly be able to accommodate an attractive mix of living, working, services, amenities and leisure. By strengthening other central, well-developed locations (in addition to Thun city centre) such as Thun South, Thun North or along Gwattstrasse, additional and attractive space can be created for existing and new companies. The two cantonal development centres ESP Bahnhof and ESP Thun Nord should also not be forgotten. Thanks to their location, their current and future function as multimodal transport hubs and the areas that can be transformed, both areas have enormous potential for jobs and contemporary housing.

What are currently the most important construction projects in Thun?
The list is – fortunately – long! We are working together with various landowners and external partners on very exciting projects that are important for Thun’s development. Some of these are profiled in this issue of immoinvest. To name just a few, some of them are significant;
- the Thun railway station ESP
- the Thun North ESP
- the Siegenthalergut
- the Hoffmatte
- the Bostudenzelg
- the Freistatt
- the Bernstrasse project
- the Gewerbestrasse project
These attractive and lively new urban building blocks make an important contribution to the urgently needed housing supply.

Do you still have development sites available for the future?
With Siegenthalergut and Bostudenzelg, we will be able to develop two of the last remaining undeveloped areas in the settlement area in the foreseeable future. Further developments will increasingly focus on the transformation and further development of existing areas, which will be developed as part of special utilisation planning. In addition to those already mentioned, the Bahnhof West area and Gwattstrasse are particularly worthy of mention here. The Schönau West area, which is mainly characterised by cooperative housing estates, is also worth mentioning.

Where does Thun stand in terms of mobility?
Thun railway station is the region’s transport hub. Thanks to the further development and redesign of the railway station ESP, we are ensuring the efficiency of this hub for the next generation. At the same time, a new S-Bahn stop will be opened in the Thun North ESP in 2032, which, as a new mobility hub, will not only provide optimal access to this new part of the city but, together with a new tangential bus route, will optimally connect the Steffisburg – Thun North – Thun West and Thun South areas and thus also relieve the station. The city of Thun already has a dense bus network, which will be further optimised in the coming years. In addition, new attractive connections for cyclists and pedestrians will be created over the next few years based on the city’s overall transport concept.

What makes Thun an attractive place to live?
The quality of life is very high and you can find everything you need in a small area. The city centre and residential areas are within easy reach. Thun is therefore already very close to the so-called 15-minute city centre. Thun offers a very diverse range of cultural, leisure and amenities. The town is very green and surrounded by attractive recreational areas. And from Thun, you can be in Bern, the Oberland, Valais or even Italy in no time at all!
With the local planning revision and the various ongoing site developments, we are also creating the basis for a diverse, attractive and contemporary residential offering over the next few years. This will ensure that everyone who wants to stay in Thun or come to Thun will find a suitable place to live in our attractive town.

What is the situation regarding vacant housing in Thun?
Thun has one of the lowest vacancy rates in Switzerland (0.09). This shows that Thun is a very attractive place to live. At the same time, we need to expand the housing supply as quickly as possible. With the local planning revision and projects such as Hoffmatte, Siegenthalergut and Bostudenzelg, we are making good progress together with our external partners. The municipal council’s Housing Strategy 2030 and the STEK 2035 urban development concept form the strategic basis for this. The aim is to create a diverse range of housing that appeals to all generations and includes a wide variety of housing types.

Is there affordable housing in Thun?
Thun has a long tradition of cooperative housing construction. Co-operatives and other non-profit housing developers make an important contribution to a diverse and affordable housing supply by being committed to the principle of cost-based renting. Currently, the proportion of cooperative flats is 10.4 %. This is set to increase continuously over the next few years. With projects such as Freistatt, Bostudenzelg and Siegenthalergut, the city can directly promote these forms of housing by granting building rights for land to non-profit housing developers. It also supports the cooperatives in the renovation and further development of their existing housing estates.

Where do you see Thun in 30 years’ time?
Thun will still be recognisable as Thun. With its different neighbourhood identities, the strong greenery and its lively city centre, which is directly connected to the centrally located railway station district – a diverse, attractive place where a wide variety of uses come together. In the north of the city, people get off the S-Bahn and find themselves in a new urban quarter that combines living, working, leisure, culture and local recreation. All of this is still surrounded by an intact and biodiverse landscape. A city that is worth living and working in.
November 2023
Site developments in the Thun region

Cantonal
Development focus areas (ESP)
With the “ESP Thun Nord” and the “ESP Thun Bahnhof”, the city of Thun has two hotspots from the “Programme of Economic Development Focus Areas of the Canton of Bern”. With this initiative, the Canton of Bern aims to create favourable conditions for economic development at selected locations. By coordinating interests with a spatial impact, new jobs with regional or supra-regional appeal are made possible at attractive locations. In the city of Thun, the “ESP Thun Nord” is of the greatest importance, as around half of this 62-hectare site is a conversion area. The aim is to convert this land from military and military-related use to private use in the medium to long term. The short-term focus is on construction site B5, where the new research site of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) will be located, as well as the new “Thun Nord” railway station, which will ultimately serve as a local mobility hub. This project will create a new district in the north of Thun.

Attractive site developments for industry and commerce
The “Raum 5” site in Steffisburg is the second large area in the Thun economic region to be developed as a work zone. With an innovative concept, the project should fulfil the high demands of investors and users. In a very well-developed location, directly next to the BLS railway station and in close proximity to the A6 motorway feeder road, a high-density commercial development with optimal environmental design and aesthetic design is to be created. The project is a holistically conceived property project based on a clear sustainability concept. A business park is also being built in Spiez. In addition to the future depot for PostBus Bernese Oberland, various commercial enterprises will one day move into the Angolder site. In a very good location close to the A8 motorway, a commercial development is being built that is optimally integrated into the surrounding area and initially comprises two buildings. The project has been planned in such a way that the development can be expanded at a later date, thus creating opportunities for other companies to settle here.

Residential space from urban to natural
The majority of the construction projects described below include residential space. Almost the entire perimeter of the Thun economic area is covered by site developments of varying sizes. In the urban environment, attractive flats are being built on Bernstrasse in Thun in the immediate vicinity of Thun city centre. In addition, the Bostudenzelg, Freistatt and Siegenthalergut projects include various larger residential developments in Thun’s outer neighbourhoods. In other beautiful residential communities in the Thun economic region, such as Thierachern, Uetendorf, Heimberg, Steffisburg and Spiez, developments of around 30 residential units or more will be built over the next few years. These projects all have the great advantages of the Thun region in common. In addition to excellent transport links, residents can enjoy beautiful surroundings, diverse recreational areas, Lake Thun and the mountains in the immediate vicinity.

November 2023
“Thun should develop without losing the city’s identity”

Mr Lanz, you have been Mayor of Thun since 2011. What have been your greatest successes and failures during this time?
During my term of office as Mayor of Thun since 2011, we have achieved many successes. Thun has generally developed very well, which is reflected in rising tax revenues, above-average income growth and record overnight stays, for example. Our town is characterised by a very high quality of life. However, it is difficult to name specific high and low points, as politics is the result of many joint endeavours. The well-being of the citizens is at the centre of my concerns and I believe that they enjoy living in Thun.

How is the town of Thun doing economically?
Thun’s economic situation has changed over the years; we were once heavily dependent on military operations and the army. Today, we have a diversified SME economy, with 96% of businesses employing fewer than 50 people. This ensures a robust, constant and stable economy without major fluctuations. In terms of tourism, we are at an all-time record, which shows that Thun is very popular with tourists.

What are the city’s economic drivers and how dependent is the city on them?
In Thun, we are fortunately no longer dependent on individual economic drivers. Large employers such as Thun Hospital or construction companies such as Frutiger AG are important, but their performance does not influence the entire economic area. Our strength lies in our broad diversification, with a particular focus on mechanical engineering. Even if individual prominent companies relocate, the impact on our economy is moderate and we are well able to compensate for such changes.

How has the city of Thun developed in recent years?
Thun has developed very positively in recent years, which is also reflected in its growing tax capacity. We have one of the lowest vacancy rates in Switzerland, which on the one hand emphasises our attractiveness, but on the other hand also poses challenges, especially for young families looking for living space. To counteract this, we are focussing on various area developments. We also emphasise the recreational qualities of our city on the water and in the mountains, for example through the Lake Thun Games or the Thun Water Magic.

What are Thun’s advantages as a business location?
One of Thun’s key advantages for companies is its attractiveness for skilled workers, as they are drawn by the outstanding leisure facilities and its location on the water. This attractive environment makes it easier for companies to attract and retain qualified employees. We endeavour to create optimal framework conditions, including short distances to politics and effective business development. This creates a business environment that contributes to prosperity.

How does the city administration co-operate with local, regional and cantonal business associations to promote the location?
We maintain close relationships both in the local and regional economic area as well as with the cantonal economic development organisation. Constant dialogue with the business associations is very important to us. If concerns arise, we can contribute our expertise or request support. Overall, this co-operation works extremely well.

What have been the most important urban development projects in recent years?
A central project in Thun’s urban development is the recently approved revision of the entire local planning, which includes the basic building regulations and has spanned several legislative periods. In addition to local planning, we are placing particular emphasis on site developments, with the railway station and the former military site in Thun North considered to be premium development priorities. A new S-Bahn station is also planned in the Thun North area. The Thun development area is responsible for regional planning, whereby the cantonal structure plan is broken down to the individual municipalities. This regional planning organisation coordinates settlement and transport planning to ensure that everything is developed in a coordinated and not contradictory manner.

What are the city’s long-term goals in terms of economic growth and location promotion?
We certainly need a certain amount of economic growth. I am convinced that this growth will materialise if we succeed in offering the local economy good framework conditions. The greatest opportunity for us are the companies that are already here. We want to support them with development opportunities, which will also ensure that growth is sustainable. I realise that growth must always be compatible with the population, otherwise there will be resistance, which can sometimes turn into blockades.

Have you experienced such resistance from the population in the last 15 years?
In the last 15 years, there has of course been resistance from the population to certain projects. As politicians, it is our job to anticipate such resistance and convince the population. By providing transparent information and taking concerns into account, we have been able to successfully overcome every vote on development projects to date.

Let’s move on to property. What are currently the city’s most important property projects
?
Thun is currently focussing on several real estate projects. One of these projects is “Hoffmatte”, which has been held up by legal delays despite a favourable referendum. Another key project is “Freistatt”, a new housing development by a housing cooperative, for which a referendum is planned soon. In addition, the “Siegenthalergut” will close a gap in the housing estate and transform it into a new neighbourhood. The city attaches great importance to informing the population transparently about such projects and convincing them of the added value.

Do you still have sites available for the future?
The city of Thun only has a few sites available for future development. On the one hand, there is potential at the “Siegenthalergut” and opposite the football arena in Thun Süd, where a work zone is planned. I see the greatest development potential in the “Thun North” area, which offers good transport links, a planned railway station and open spaces. However, these areas are army conversion sites, which means that their civilian use harbours a certain degree of complexity.

How do you see the development of the property market in Thun?
The property market in Thun has been characterised by rising prices in the past, although a phase of consolidation is currently being observed. Thun is particularly sought after due to its attractiveness, which leads to an illiquid property market with few available and affordable properties. To counteract this, the city is endeavouring to provide adequate living space for all sections of the population, including young families and older people, through various site developments.

Is there currently a housing shortage in Thun? If so, how are you dealing with it?
There are currently housing challenges in Thun. Two main approaches to tackling this problem are site development and building regulations. The local planning revision will enable increased internal development so that more can be built than before. This should incentivise landowners to make better use of their property and thus reduce the housing shortage.

There is a shortage of skilled labour throughout Switzerland. What is the situation in Thun?
The shortage of skilled labour is just as prevalent in Thun as it is throughout the country. The city is focussing on creating an attractive environment for potential skilled workers and their families, as this increases the likelihood that they will decide to work in Thun. We know from feedback from companies that an attractive residential and living environment is very important for attracting skilled labour.

What is your vision for the future development of the city?
Thun has developed very positively, which is why we don’t want to make any fundamental changes. My main aim is to ensure that residents enjoy living in Thun. We are paying particular attention to the development of Thun North, inner city development, various site developments and the associated creation of open and green spaces. Despite growth, we are endeavouring to preserve Thun’s characteristic qualities and not expand at all costs. For example, we have built a ring of multi-storey car parks around the city centre to reduce traffic in the city centre and improve the quality of life. We always try to create win-win situations and not play individual measures off against each other.

November 2023
IWB to decommission distribution network for natural gas by 2037

The canton of Basel-Stadt has decided to phase out fossil fuel heating by 2037. IWB currently supplies just under 11,000 properties in Basel, Bettingen and Riehen with natural gas. Of these, 9,000 use natural gas for heating.

According to an IWB statement, 5800 properties can be connected to an existing or planned district heating network. For the remaining properties, alternatives must be sought. These could be heat pumps or pellet heating.

About 2000 properties use natural gas for cooking. Therefore, about 14,000 gas cookers must be converted to electric cookers.

IWB wants to decommission its natural gas network gradually, basically at the end of the respective service life. The first shutdowns are planned for 2026 and 2027. After that, around 1000 connections are to be taken off the grid each year.

The canton supports the changeover to heat pumps, wood heating systems or heating networks with subsidies. For gas systems that have not yet been amortised, it also pays compensation for residual values. The canton expects to pay a maximum of 80.4 million francs for such compensation and bridging solutions.

November 2023
Spatial planning moderates real estate market

The Federal Office of Housing(BWO) and the cantonal planners of the Zurich metropolitan area commissioned the Center for Regional Economic Development of the University of Bern, in cooperation with IAZI, to investigate the contribution of spatial planning to rising housing costs. According to the results of the study, spatial planning plays a moderating role in the real estate market. It has an impact on construction activity and thus influences housing costs, writes the BWO in a statement on the study.

By limiting the availability of building land and zoning capacities, spatial planning controls how flexibly the supply can adapt to the development of demand for housing. Too strict spatial planning can lead to higher housing costs in the long term, the authors of the study state. At the same time, however, spatial planning also has the task of protecting the landscape and limiting urban sprawl.

The study identifies inner development as a solution to this dilemma. It offers an instrument “that makes it possible both to protect the landscape and to increase the supply of living space”. Another instrument proposed by the study is rezoning, i.e. the expansion of possible uses in a building zone. In addition, “lengthy approval and appeal procedures are described as driving up housing costs”.

From 3 to 7 November, the Swiss Housing Days 2023 will take place in Biel BE. On 6 November, the programme will include a discussion by experts on the question of internal development that leads to more affordable housing.

October 2023
Neustark expands into the EU

Neustark has opened a commercial plant for the permanent storage of CO2 in demolition concrete together with the construction and recycling company Heim. In the plant, more than 1000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 can be removed from the atmosphere and bound annually, informs the Bern-based ClimateTech company in a statement. The CO2 mineralised in demolition concrete comes mainly from MVV’s biowaste fermentation plant in Dresden-Klotzsche.

“According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, negative emissions are indispensable in order to achieve our net zero targets,” Johannes Tiefenthaler, founder and co-CEO of neustark, is quoted as saying in the press release. The young Bernese company has developed a method for this, in which demolition concrete is transformed into a corresponding sink for CO2 emissions. “New also in Germany, which is a big step for neustark, but above all for the entire CO2 removal market,” Tiefenthaler says.

In neustark’s technology, CO2 is converted into limestone, which is bound to the pores and surface of the concrete granulate. The granulate carbonated in this way can then be used in road construction or for the production of recycled concrete. In the twelve large-scale plants currently operated by neustark in Switzerland and Germany, around 5000 tonnes of CO2 are bound each year.

Neustark has set itself the goal of expanding its annual capacity to 1 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030. To this end, 15 additional plants are planned in the DACH region and in France. Another major step is the adoption of the technology in Holcim‘s recycling plants.

October 2023
BKW acquires Darmstadt architecture firm

The Bern-based BKW Group intends to significantly expand its presence in southwest Germany. This is according to a media release in which BKW announces the acquisition of the architecture and urban planning firm Planquadrat Elfers Geskes Krämer und Partner GmbH. Planquadrat, with 160 employees, is one of the larger architectural firms in the Rhine-Main region. The Darmstadt-based company specialises in residential construction, administrative building and hotel construction as well as logistics and the construction of laboratory buildings. The broad range of services also includes an independent department for urban planning.

Planquadrat is involved in both public and private tenders. Founded in 1993 by the three namesakes, the architectural firm has since associated two further partners. The company has a stable, wide-ranging and long-term clientele, which is now being integrated into BKW’s portfolio. Planquadrat’s broad range of services strengthens the BKW engineering network in all service phases of object planning, especially for general planning projects, the statement says.

October 2023
Soobr wins Purus Innovation Award at CMS Berlin

Soobr has received the Purus Innovation Award 2023 in the Digital Tools and Systems category. The technology company from the canton of Bern was honored by CMS Berlin, the leading international trade fair for the cleaning industry, for its artificial intelligence-based smart cleaning platform. It enables optimized and dynamic planning of building cleaning and also ensures transparency with a digital bill of quantities, Soobr quoted the jury as saying in a statement. Soobr also spread the victory news on LinkedIn. The company remains true to its mission of driving innovation and providing excellent solutions, it said there.

All 18 final-round competition entries were on display in a special show at CMS Berlin, Sept. 23-26. According to CMS, the Award for Innovation Achievement in the Cleaning Industry recognizes products, tools and systems that impress with their high application quality and superior overall design.

According to the release, Soobr Smart Cleaning replaces inefficient, rigid cleaning schedules with flexible deployment plans. Thanks to data evaluation based on artificial intelligence, cleaning is only carried out where it is really necessary. This saves water, chemicals, plastic and money. This allows companies to respond to fluctuations in building occupancy rates, for example. The cleaning staff receive their deployment plans via an app.

Soobr was founded in Ittigen in 2020. The company maintains a subsidiary in Hamburg.

October 2023
Ypsomed builds conference and cultural centre in Solothurn

Ypsomed is investing around CHF 15 million in Solothurn. The funds will be used to set up a conference and cultural centre opposite the new main entrance to Ypsomed’s company building. The medtech with headquarters in Burgdorf has entrusted the Solothurn office of phalt Architekten AG with the planning and implementation of the project.

“We have created over 400 new jobs in Solothurn in the last ten years and want to continue to grow,” Ypsomed CEO Simon Michel is quoted as saying in a statement from his address when the plans were announced. “We are also investing here because we are receiving optimal support from the city.” With the Forum, the company wants to “give something back to the city and the people of Solothurn”, Michel said. The planned Ypsomed Centre can be rented for public events and occasions.

The new building is designed as a five-storey building with a two-storey parking deck. A reception and an auditorium are planned for public events. In addition, Ypsomed wants to have the area between the centre and its own company building landscaped and turned into a meeting zone.

At the event to announce the plans, City President Stefanie Ingold pointed out the upgrading of the district through the conference and cultural centre. Ypsomed has established a knowledge location in Solothurn, Ingold was quoted as saying in the press release. The globally active Bern-based medtech specialises in infusion and injection systems for liquid medicines.

September 2023
Mobiliar invests in heat reduction in Bern neighbourhood

Mobiliar is contributing CHF 450,000 to a climate adaptation and upgrading project in the Breitenrain district of Bern. According to climate measurements by the University of Bern, this neighbourhood is hotter than average. According to a statement by the insurance company, the municipal council has approved a loan of 1.3 million francs for a corresponding redesign of Optingenstrasse. “With Mobiliar’s financial contribution, we can do more on Optingenstrasse than if the city had to finance the project alone,” municipal councillor Marieke Kruit is quoted as saying.

The plan is to plant 20 trees to combat heat accumulation and to unseal street and parking areas so that rainwater can seep away and cool the air through evaporation. To further enhance the neighbourhood, green or marl areas are to be created with bicycle stands or seating. The city is carrying out these climate adaptations as part of the renovation work of the energy supplier Energie Wasser Bern, which is planned for 2024 anyway.

“Our approach to natural hazards is not limited to paying for damage – we are also increasingly involved in prevention,” Thomas Trachsler of Mobiliar is quoted as saying. Belinda Walther Weger, Head of Public Affairs & Sustainability at the insurance company, emphasises that sponge city projects go beyond mere hazard prevention: “They help to ensure that the quality of life in densely populated areas remains high.” For this reason, Mobiliar from the cooperative will participate in further sponge city projects in Swiss cities as part of its support for climate protection projects. “With our commitment, we want to make an important contribution to a sustainable and positive future.”

September 2023
Helion Energy and Meyer Burger enter into partnership

Photovoltaic manufacturer Meyer Burger has agreed a strategic partnership with Helion Energy, a provider of complete solar energy solutions and AMAG subsidiary. According to a media release, the AMAG Group will give preference to Meyer Burger solar modules for all its own photovoltaic plants yet to be built. As part of its climate strategy, the AMAG Group will build around 75,000 square metres of solar plants at its own locations by 2025.

Helion Energy and Meyer Burger Technology are committed to rebuilding the photovoltaic value chain in Switzerland as part of the strategic partnership, the statement added. Currently, Switzerland imports more than 90 percent of its solar modules from Asian countries.

“Meyer Burger high-performance modules offer a number of advantages for customers: they are developed in Switzerland and sustainably produced in Germany,” Helion CEO Noah Heynen is quoted as saying. The modules show lower performance losses over the years and higher yields in all seasons due to better temperature coefficients and low-light behaviour. They are designed to last more than 30 years and come with an industry-leading warranty of at least 25 years, he said.

According to CEO Gunter Erfurt, Meyer Burger is in the process of “massively expanding” its production for solar cells and modules. The Swiss solar modules have a technological advantage over the Asian competition and generate significantly higher yields over the entire lifetime.

September 2023
Parliament decides on solar obligation for large new buildings

The National Council voted 98 to 95 in favour of making solar energy compulsory for new buildings with a roof and façade area of more than 300 square metres. It thus followed a minority vote of its Committee for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy, the parliamentary services inform in a press release. An extension of the solar obligation to include conversions was rejected. The decision of the National Council corresponds to a decision already taken by the Council of States in the context of the discussions on the Energy Mantle Decree.

However, the two chambers have not yet been able to reach an agreement on other points of the Energy Mantle Decree. Deviating from the Council of States, the National Council on Monday continued to support a solar obligation also for car parks above a certain size. With regard to the residual water regulations for hydroelectric power plants, the National Council voted for a stricter limitation of the exceptions than the Council of States. However, there is agreement on the planning of hydropower plants whose residual flow would run through a protected area of national importance. Such projects should not be excluded from the outset.

The federal law on a secure electricity supply with renewable energies, known as the Energy Coat Decree, serves to implement the energy turnaround. In order to avert the danger of a shortage of electricity as quickly as possible, the Energy Decree should be passed by the councils this autumn, if possible, according to a statement by Energy Minister Albert Rösti. After the National Council’s vote, the bill now goes back to the Council of States.

September 2023
New branch manager in Solothurn

The PRIVERA branch in Solothurn will be managed by Matthias Räber from August 1st, 2022. Mr. Räber is a real estate manager with a Swiss Federal Diploma. Specialist certificate and has been supporting PRIVERA since October 2021 as a senior manager. He previously worked as head of property management at a well-known real estate company in the Olten/Gäu/Solothurn region and has many years of experience in the real estate industry.

Matthias Räber is taking over from Roger Kiefer. Mr. Kiefer is leaving PRIVERA at the end of July 2022 to take on a new professional challenge. Until Matthias Räber took up his post, the time was optimally used for the handover. «Being able to fill the branch management in Solothurn internally is an asset for PRIVERA. Matthias Räber will continue to run the branch with great commitment,» says Andrea Jürg Wegmüller, COO of PRIVERA.

July 2022
UBS pension fund joins Halter project

As the new landowner of the Attisholz core area, the UBS pension fund is participating in the Attisholz development project in Riedholz. According to a media release by Halter AG , this core area covers an area of 73,000 square meters. The remaining area of 420,000 square meters will remain in the possession of Halter. The Schlierem-based real estate company will transform the area step by step over the coming years and will implement various construction projects in the process. “By the time it is completed, this part of the site will offer space for around 740 apartments with 1,250 residents. At the same time, several hundred new jobs will be created,” says the project’s goals.

A cooperation agreement between the canton of Solothurn, the municipality of Riedholz and Halter AG was originally concluded for the project. This has now been expanded to include the UBS pension fund. “The entry of the UBS pension fund immediately after the usage plan came into force is a strong commitment to the Attisholz area and thus also to the Solothurn region as an attractive place to live, work and live,” says Andreas Campi, Managing Director of Halter Developments.

The municipality and canton are also pleased about the entry of the UBS pension fund. Sandra Morstein, Mayor of Riedholz, sees the “trustworthy and constant cooperation” of all partners strengthened. “For the Canton of Solothurn, the sustainable and future-oriented development of the Attisholz area is a central concern,” says Government Councilor Birgit Wyss. “The investment by the UBS pension fund is an important signal for the canton of Solothurn as an investment location.”

June 2022
Second home prices soar

In a press release , the major Zurich bank UBS informed about an increase in the price of holiday apartments in the Alpine region. With a price increase of almost 10 percent, residential real estate has reached its highest level in the past twelve years. Arosa GR, Engelberg OW, Flims/Laax GR and the Jungfrau Region, where prices have risen by 15 percent, are most affected.

Based on the findings of the Alpine Property Focus study, UBS explains the price increase, among other things, with a decline in supply and increasing demand. As a result of the corona pandemic, working from anywhere has become attractive. Many working people have moved their desk and primary residence to the holiday regions.

Furthermore, held back sales have led to the tense supply situation on the residential real estate market. According to this, many owners would have refrained from a planned sale of the holiday apartment because of their own needs for their home office.

The Second Homes Act, which has been in force since 2012, has also had an unfavorable effect, ordering a de facto freeze on the construction of second homes in tourist regions. However, the stable value of residential real estate is said to be unaffected by the lack of new housing construction.

As a result of the high capital costs when buying a holiday home and rising interest rates at the same time, the demand for holiday homes is likely to fall again, according to experts. The real estate economist at UBS, Maciej Skocz, quoted in the study, also includes the increased energy costs and expects “a good third higher usage costs” for an “average holiday home” for 2023 compared to the “beginning of the second home boom in 2020”. In the medium term, the expected increase in the supply of second homes will regulate the current price explosion again.

June 2022
Housing estate receives self-sufficient lighting

The outdoor lighting in the Moosbühlstrasse housing estate in Moosseedorf near Bern is no longer dependent on the power grid, BKW said in a statement . The Bernese energy and infrastructure company has installed 27 solar-powered LED lights here, which throw sufficient light onto stairs and into house entrances, but emit as little light as possible that is irritating to people and the environment. With the project, which is financially supported by the municipality , BKW is “for the first time equipping an entire settlement with sustainable solar lights,” project manager Simon Jakob from BKW is quoted as saying in the press release.

The innovative lighting has a whole range of advantages over conventional outdoor lighting, as explained in more detail in the press release. Not only can the lamps be operated independently of the mains supply, but there is also no need to pull cables when setting up and replacing them. The solar panels attached to all four sides of the lamp posts generate enough energy to operate the lights even on dark winter days. Motion-dependent control also helps to save energy. "The trend towards as little light as necessary and the population's greater environmental awareness makes solar outdoor lighting interesting for residents and owners," says Jakob.

May 2022
Decision for the paper mill center in Ittigen

Kick-off for the paper mill hub
The “Zentrum Papiermühle” site is centrally located in the district of Papiermühle in the municipality of Ittigen, near the S-Bahn station of the same name. It stretches along Worblentalstrasse and connects directly to the intersection of Papiermühlestrasse, Grauholzstrasse and Worblentalstrasse.

For the development of the area, an urban planning solution (use, development, development) was already worked out in 2014. Based on this, the planning instruments relevant for the area were then adapted, namely the “ESP Ittigen-Paper Mill” structure plan, the zoning plan, the building regulations and the associated building regulations. With the award of the study contract, the intention was to obtain a solution for the area that was convincing in terms of local planning, architecture and function through a qualified competition procedure involving the municipality of Ittigen.

Five planning teams, consisting of architects, landscape architects and civil engineers, were invited to the study assignment. The project contributions were evaluated by the assessment committee chaired by Michael Geschwentner (Steib Gmür Geschwentner Kyburz Partner AG Architekten & Stadtplaner) with regard to the fulfillment of the objectives and numerous criteria such as urban development, architecture, open space, development, design, use, profitability and sustainability. Of particular importance were also qualitative and convincing apartment floor plans.

Appreciation of the winning project
In the opinion of the assessment committee, the project contribution by E2A Piet Eckert and Wim Eckert Architekten AG is characterized by a clever urban planning setting that gives the place a strong identity, with exciting spatial qualities and the desired degree of publicity. The project was unanimously recommended for further processing.

Based on a precise analysis of the urban planning context, the architects developed a volumetric arrangement of high-rise and long building that creates a well-proportioned, all-round square that accommodates the different prevailing height situations and achieves a clear address for commercial and residential areas.

The extra-high ground floor gives the high-rise a self-confident appearance and cleverly addresses the terrain offset in the interior. In interaction with the ground floor, the newly created square unfolds a strong public that has the potential to activate and enliven the place. The longitudinal building also benefits from the free space at the rear. The filigree appearance of the high-rise is combined with the delicate wooden construction of the longitudinal building and leads to a harmonious relationship between the two buildings.

May 2022
Plans for the Attisholz area are issued

A competition for landscape architects was carried out for the design of the Attisholz area in Riedholz. According to a media release from Halter AG , those that are to be pursued have been selected from the six projects submitted. The Schlieremer construction group is the landowner of the area. The projects will now be presented to the public. The exhibition opened on Thursday, May 19, at 5 p.m. in the evaporation plant building. The exhibition will remain open until June 2nd.

The government council of the canton of Solothurn approved the usage plan for the Attisholz area in Riedholz in December. The project page from Halter states that cellulose was industrially produced on the site for 130 years. Since the end of 2016, Halter AG has been working with the local municipality of Riedholz and the canton of Solothurn to find a new use for the area.

Six teams led by landscape architecture offices took part in the competition that has now been held. In the program, the creation of a sustainable and changeable basis for the development of a living space for all users was formulated as a core task. The aim was to design the mostly public open spaces on the eastern part of the site in detail.

The assessment committee consisted of experts in landscape architecture and urban planning, representatives of the municipality of Riedholz, the office for spatial planning of the canton of Solothurn and the landowner Halter AG. The committee unanimously recommended the study by DnD Landschaftsplanung ZT Wien and Freimüller-Söllinger Stadtbau ZT Wien for further processing.

May 2022
Bern University of Applied Sciences is working on heavy-duty wooden bridges

The infrastructure construction with its high proportion of reinforced concrete is one of the largest emitters of CO2 in Switzerland, explains the Bern University of Applied Sciences ( BFH ) in a statement . BFH researchers at the Institute for Timber Structures, Structures and Architecture , together with TS3 and other business partners, have developed a research strategy for the use of wood in infrastructure construction. A feasibility study for heavy-duty bridges made of wood is currently being carried out under the direction of BFH professor Steffen Franke.

A first working model has already been created as part of the study, which will run until summer 2023. The bridge element has been on display in the inner courtyard of the BFH site in Biel since May 9th. The BFH explained in the statement that it was designed for a bridge running perpendicular to the axis. With it, for example, a cantonal road can be routed over a six-lane motorway. Industrial partner TS3 has contributed its technology for the wooden bridge, which is designed for a payload of 40 tons, with which the individual plates of the elements can be connected in a rigid manner.

May 2022
Housing estate receives self-sufficient lighting

The outdoor lighting in the Moosbühlstrasse housing estate in Moosseedorf near Bern is no longer dependent on the power grid, BKW said in a statement . The Bernese energy and infrastructure company has installed 27 solar-powered LED lights here, which throw sufficient light onto stairs and into house entrances, but emit as little light as possible that is irritating to people and the environment. With the project, which is financially supported by the municipality , BKW is “for the first time equipping an entire settlement with sustainable solar lights,” project manager Simon Jakob from BKW is quoted as saying in the press release.

The innovative lighting has a whole range of advantages over conventional outdoor lighting, as explained in more detail in the press release. Not only can the lamps be operated independently of the mains supply, but there is also no need to pull cables when setting up and replacing them. The solar panels attached to all four sides of the lamp posts generate enough energy to operate the lights even on dark winter days. Motion-dependent control also helps to save energy. “The trend towards as little light as necessary and the population’s greater environmental awareness make solar outdoor lighting interesting for residents and owners,” says Jakob.

May 2022
Power Integrations opens new plant in Biel

Power Integrations , a company specializing in power electronics, has opened a new plant in Biel. This covers around 4600 square meters and also houses offices and laboratories. The Biel-based operation specializes in so-called gate drivers for high-power applications such as solar and wind energy, electric locomotives and efficient DC transmission lines. In addition to production, the location is also used for the development of prototypes. In total, around 60 engineers and other technology experts are employed.

Power Integrations has reportedly invested around $20 million in the Biel site. The facility was planned and built by the Biel architects GLS Architekten . A photovoltaic system with an output of 25 kilowatts is located on the roof.

Power Integrations’ presence in Switzerland dates back to the acquisition of Biel-based CT-Concept Technologie AG in 2012. Headquartered in San Jose, Power Integrations employs around 770 people worldwide.

“We are excited to open our new, permanent headquarters in Biel, bringing together all of our local employees under one roof and giving us ample room for the growth we expect in the years to come,” said Balu Balakrishnan, CEO of Power Integrations , quoted in the communication.

Biel’s Mayor Erich Fehr (SP) welcomes the investment. “The fact that such an innovative and fast-growing company has settled here speaks for the attractiveness of our city and our region as a business location,” he says.

March 2022
A lighthouse at the gateway to Bern

Das neue Gewerbe- und Dienstleistungsgebäude am östlichen Tor zur Stadt Bern soll durch verschiedenste Nutzungen an Lebendigkeit gewinnen. Neben konventionellen Büroräumlichkeiten, flexibel buchbaren Büroräumen für Kleinmietende und Start-ups sowie einem zukunftsorientierten Gastronomie- und Eventbereich sind auch Gewerbeflächen für die Nutzung im Gesundheitsbereich möglich.

BERN 131 wurde als Multispace konzipiert, wodurch grösstmögliche Flexibilität in der Innenraumgestaltung besteht. Multispace ist ein modulares Raumkonzept mit offenen Bürostrukturen und verschiedenen Sonderflächen – etwa für den Austausch, Pausen oder Rückzugsmöglichkeiten. Diese Raumvielfalt macht Multispace attraktiv und eignet sich gut für die neue, individualisierte Arbeitswelt. Gespräche mit verschiedenen Mietinteressierten sind im Gange.
Die Architektur und die geschickte Planung von BERN 131 garantieren eine hohe Qualität des Arbeitsumfelds trotz der exponierten Lage. Der geplante Neubau profitiert von einer hohen Sichtbarkeit und der unmittelbaren Nachbarschaft zur Wankdorf City. In diesem jungen und aufstrebenden Stadtquartier sind zwei von drei Bauetappen abgeschlossen. Die SBB, die Schweizerische Post und andere Grossfirmen haben hier neue Hauptsitze bezogen. Rund um BERN 131 gibt es ausserdem verschiedene Gastronomie-Angebote, Supermärkte und Business-Unterkünfte. Der Bahnhof Wankdorf ist in rund fünf Gehminuten, diverse Autobahnanschlüsse sind in zwei Fahrminuten erreichbar.

Das Gebäude in der Form eines Kreisbogendreiecks wird sechs Etagen haben. Die einzelnen Etagen können durch die drei Erschliessungskerne und einen Ring, der sich um das begrünte Atrium legt, erschlossen werden. Die Geschossflächen können flexibel auf verschiedenste Flächenbedürfnisse aufgeteilt werden. Das Gebäude wird grösstenteils in Skelettbauweise mit Holzstützen, Holzunterzügen und Holzhybridecken errichtet. Bei der horizontalen Aussteifung des Gebäudes setzt man auf Erschliessungskerne in Massivbauweise.

Photovoltaik-Anlagen an der Fassade und auf dem Dach, Energieerzeugung über Erdwärmesonden, ein innovatives Lüftungskonzept mit Wärmerückgewinnung sowie die Nutzung von Regenwasser tragen zur Nachhaltigkeit und Energieeffizienz bei. Die Verwendung von Holz und Holzwerkstoffen schafft zudem eine schöne Raumqualität und ein angenehmes Raumklima.

Mit seiner Architektur, seiner ausgewogenen Betriebsenergiebilanz sowie zahlreichen gebäudetechnischen Innovationen soll das Gebäude ein Vorzeige- und Leuchtturmprojekt in Sachen Nachhaltigkeit und Ingenieurskunst werden.

Die Baueingabe erfolgte Mitte Mai 2021; die rechtskräftige Baubewilligung wird zeitnah erwartet. Der Baustart ist auf das zweite Quartal 2022 geplant. Im dritten Quartal 2024 soll BERN 131 bezugsbereit sein.

February 2022
Halter AG can realize the Attisholz-Areal project

The government council of the canton of Solothurn has approved the land use planning for the Attisholz area in Riedholz. The decision ensures the further development of the area in the next 25 years, according to a media release from the Schlierem-based construction company Halter AG . On the Halter project page , it says about the project that cellulose has been industrially produced on the site for 130 years. Since the end of 2016, Halter AG has been working with the municipality of Riedholz and the canton of Solothurn to redesign the area.

The usage planning that has now been approved was drawn up from 2018 to 2019 in a planning group of the municipality, the canton and Halter AG. After the preliminary examination, the participation procedure and the condition of the land use planning from 2020 to 2021, the municipality of Riedholz transferred the dossier to the canton of Solothurn in June 2021, according to the holder's notification. The decision of the government council now creates the planning law basis for a new zoning plan, as well as a zoning and development plan, in order to develop a living space for living, working and leisure out of the area.

It is important that "the population stands behind the project and that the effects on the community in social, economic and ecological terms are acceptable," said Sandra Morstein, Mayor of Riedholz. "That is why great importance was attached to informing and participating in the population as well as trusting and constructive cooperation with the canton and Halter AG in the planning and development of common objectives."

The results of a study by landscape architects on open space will be available in February. The planning of the infrastructure for public transport and community buildings such as schools and day-care centers is in preparation.

December 2021
Steiner AG is redeveloping the industrial area in Breitenbach

The Steiner Investment Foundation wants to convert the Isola area not far from the center of Breitenbach into a residential and commercial area. The owner of the eleven hectare site has commissioned the construction service provider Steiner AG with this, according to a media release . The residents of Breitenbach are to be included in the development process from next year.

The project developer also wants to open up the Isola area, which is located directly on the Lüssel, to the public. “This can look forward to new, attractive meeting and green areas, which will be created in place of the existing company roads and storage areas”, Stefan Gabriel, team leader for real estate development at Steiner AG, is quoted in the media release.

The new quarter is not intended to compete with the village center, but rather to complement it. An intensive exchange is currently taking place with the Breitenbach municipal administration about the respective ideas and expectations. As a basis for a common understanding of the spatial development of the area, an urban development and open space planning test planning process will also be carried out, according to the media release. Renowned architectural offices and landscape architects would be invited to come up with suggestions.

Construction on the first stage is expected to start in 2029. During the planning phase, however, the company wants to enable interim uses and, if necessary, bring forward individual conversion projects in existing buildings.

The Steiner Invest Foundation, a Zurich-based asset management company for Swiss pension funds and an investment foundation of Steiner AG, acquired the 114,280 square meter area with its largely empty industrial and warehouse buildings in spring 2021.

November 2021
Halter breaks ground for development in Langnau

The groundbreaking ceremony for a new residential and commercial building was carried out on Wednesday afternoon on the area north of the Ilfiskreisel in Langnau iE. According to the media release , the construction company Halter AG from Schlieren will be realizing the development on behalf of the insurance company Visana Services AG as general contractor. In autumn 2023, Aldi Suisse is to move into its new retail space there, the first Aldi location in the upper Emmental. At the same time, the reference date for the rental apartments and other commercial space in the new building is.

According to Halter, the overall project provides for a mixed use of a retail space on the ground floor rented to Aldi Suisse, rental apartments and a proportion of commercial and office space for third parties. In addition, there is a public outside space as a central access area to the building on the south side and on the east side an outside space with play and lounge area that can only be used by the tenants. The delivery area for the shop is on the west side and the entrance to the parking garage is on the north side.

One floor has an Aldi staff room as well as nine rental apartments and a commercial unit. A further 16 rental apartments with their own loggia or terrace are being built on the two floors above. Cellar and technical rooms as well as an underground car park with around 80 parking spaces are planned for the two basement floors.

October 2021
Jaisli-Xamax equips Bern special education school

The Dietiker electrical company Jaisli-Xamax is responsible for the electrical installations for the new building for the special education school in Bern ( HPS). Work began in March and, according to a message on Facebook, should go until January 2023⁠. Jaisli-Xamax therefore provides the following services: high and low voltage installations, building automation and the delivery of switchgear.

The special education school is a special school for the city and region of Bern. The building of HPS correspond according to the communication of Jaisli-Xamax not today's operational requirements are age-related need of renovation and can werden.⁠ spatially and structurally developed Therefore, arises new school with a gymnasium on a vacant lot on the grounds of elementary schools Bümpliz and Lieutenants.

September 2021
Coop expands Marktgass Bern

The branch of the Coop Group Marktgass Bern has a total sales area of 2100 square meters, informs the retail cooperative from Basel in a message . Since May, customers have been able to use the upper floor with a supermarket, a beauty island, a vinotheque and a beer and beverage world. Now the ground floor of the listed building has also been completely converted. Here Coop has set up a coffee bar with its own roastery, a bakery, a kiosk and various services.

"The result is a piece of jewelry that leaves nothing to be desired and enriches the shopping offer in the city center," File Gjokaj is quoted in the press release. The managing director of the Marktgass Bern branch also points out the open kitchen area in the coffee bar: “A lot is homemade and prepared right in front of the customer's eyes.” All products are available both to take away and for consumption on site.

In the future, “in the Coop Marktgass Bern, shopping will also meet movement”, the announcement further explains. A fitness update will be available in the basement in September. Around 1,400 square meters of space are available for this.

August 2021
Renewal of the Läbespark retirement home

The four existing main buildings and other auxiliary buildings in the Läbespark retirement home in Biberist are getting on in years: they were built between 1969 and 1995. In order to improve the quality of life for around 100 residents, the cooperative had a refurbishment project drawn up. Phalt Architekten AG, Wam Planer und Ingenieure AG and Neuland ArchitekturLandschaft GmbH were commissioned for this. A committee consisting of representatives of the Biberist community, the responsible cooperative and various experts accompanied the process.
The alignment project forms the basis for the design plan process and the further project elaboration. The oldest house at Blümlisalpstrasse 12 will be replaced by a new building. The height of this is based on the existing building. Compact small apartments based on the Bonacasa building standard are planned. The 1.5 to 3.5 room apartments will have a wet room with a laundry tower and a loggia facing the park-like inner courtyard. A reduit complements the larger apartments. «The existing restaurant / café Pintli will move into the new building. To do this, we are revitalizing the premises of the former Pintli with commercial and service uses, ”says Ronny Fluri from Bonainvest AG, which takes on the building owner function for the cooperative. A common room is also planned, which should also promote social contact among the residents. The new building will have a parking garage.
So the previous parking lot can give way to a piazza. “We are thus creating another meeting zone and upgrading the area. Our green park with a small pond will have a herb garden, more seating and various exercise elements that are intended to provide incentives for the residents, ”explains Fluri. The surrounding quarter will be better networked by footpaths. But there is still one problem to be solved: “The building that is being replaced has heating for two more houses. We would like to work with geothermal probes in the future. However, various investigations are still ongoing, ”says Fluri. When this has happened, the other buildings can at least be refurbished in terms of energy. There is still some time until construction begins: work is scheduled to start in 2023. The new building should be ready for occupancy at the end of 2024.

August 2021
Listed outdoor pool, newly renovated

In three consecutive winters, the Solothurn outdoor pool is transformed into a construction site. In the first winter, 2019/20, the sports pool at Badi Solothurn was renovated. In the second and third winter, it is the turn of the outdoor swimming pool to be built.
The two stages of renovation of the buildings were preceded by a municipal council decision, a municipal assembly decision and a referendum. In the latter case, the people approved the restructuring loan of 7.8 million francs in February 2020 with 86.7 percent yes-votes.
The renovation is intended to remedy safety deficiencies, the swimming pool is to be made more accessible, processes are to be optimized and visitor flows are to be unbundled, and there should be more showers and toilets. Overall, the outdoor pool should offer guests more comfort after the renovation. Since it is a listed building, the visible changes must be subtle.
With the start of the 2021 bathing season in mid-May, the first phase of renovation in the Solothurn outdoor pool was completed. In this first phase of renovation, underground technical work was the main task. The building structure was repaired and safety deficiencies were corrected. In addition, the northern parts of the extension from 1964, where the entrance area and cloakrooms are located, were renewed in this phase. The construction of new showers and a new cloakroom area also started, which will continue in the second stage.
The second stage of the building construction will begin this year after the end of the bathing season in September 2021. Then the southern part of the extension building with a restaurant, kiosk, cloakrooms, showers and toilets will be renewed. A new lift will enable people with walking difficulties to access the restaurant.
Some preparation and follow-up work may overlap with the end or the start of the bathing season. The outdoor swimming pool should always be possible. The renovated Solothurn outdoor pool is due to go into operation in mid-May 2022.

August 2021
From the metal factory to the mixed neighborhood

The Wydeneck was a closed area for over 100 years and was used exclusively by the "Schweizerische Metallwerke AG Dornach" for metal processing. Swissmetal still produces today and uses around half of the area. Small craft businesses and manufacturing SMEs also work.
In 2015, Hiag acquired the area in Dornach and began planning its future use. In close cooperation with the canton and municipality, the owner developed a coherent basis for the transformation of Wydeneck. The leading office for the test planning process was the Zurich urban planning office Feddersen & Klostermann in collaboration with Brühlmann Loetscher. 90 interested residents brought their wishes and suggestions into the planning process during a two-day participation process. On this basis, the master plan was drawn up and approved by the municipal council in 2018. In this context, the new name was also announced: Wydeneck – Metalli im Wandel.
The area-specific sub-zone plan revision and the development of a sustainable mobility concept are currently on the agenda. Central topics are the development of the quarter with a bus line, its own S-Bahn stop and the integration of the feeder to the A18 motorway. Building land is to be re-zoned along the Birs and the river basin is to be revitalized.
The opening of the aeral will initially take place through transitional uses. This creates space for business, leisure and culture. The offers are intended to attract customers and visitors. With the start of the first construction phase, these uses will be successively replaced or relocated. Several hundred apartments as well as commercial and service-oriented offers will be built in the next 20 to 25 years. Some of the existing historical buildings will be renovated and will remain as a contemporary witness of industrial history.
The Wydeneck is to become a lively, mixed and urban district. Around 1,800 residents and a wide range of commercial and service offerings with up to 400 jobs are planned. The publicly accessible riverside park and the preservation of the historical substance also ensure the special flair.

August 2021