Category: Thun

Double use of space increases solar power production

According to a press release, ARA Thunersee has inaugurated HORIZON, the largest movable solar folding roof in the world. It was realized by the cleantech company dhp Technology from Zizers. With an installed capacity of 3.6 megawatts peak and around 3 gigawatt hours of electricity, the system will supply 700 households.

According to ARA Thunersee, the more than 20,000 square meter plant is based on technology from dhp Technology. dhp CEO Gian Andri Diem sees great potential in generating energy on existing areas. “This is how we create progress without taking up additional space,” he is quoted as saying.

According to dhp’s project description, efficient use of space is relevant in order to make progress with the energy transition through photovoltaics. Wastewater treatment plants, logistics areas, waterworks and parking areas are particularly suitable for solar power production due to their previously unused areas. According to Ingo Schoppe, Managing Director of ARA Thunersee, “intelligent land use makes an active contribution to security of supply, economic efficiency and climate protection”.

The solar folding roof spans several clarifiers and makes double use of existing infrastructure areas – for wastewater treatment on the ground and for solar power generation above. The electricity generated there is intended for wastewater treatment and local supply.

Based on Swiss cable car technology, the roof is able to react to extreme weather conditions. It folds up automatically in the event of storms, snow or hail. This allows operational safety and energy production to be achieved without having to intervene in ongoing processes.

November 2025
Tourism forum sheds light on changes in hospitality

This year’s Bernese Oberland Tourism Forum was held under the motto “Hospitality in transition”, the Bernese Oberland economy announced in a press release. It organized the industry event on 2 April at the Thun Culture and Convention Centre together with the Bernese Oberland Hoteliers Association and Made in Bern AG. Around 150 participants, mainly from the tourism and hotel industry, discussed theoretical and practical issues relating to hospitality.

In the theoretical part, Adrian Müller from the Tourism Research Center at the University of Bern presented the project Monitoring and Strengthening the Quality of Interaction in Swiss Tourism. Here, artificial intelligence is used to analyze the quality of interactions between guests and hosts. Specifically, content, moods and topics in posts on review portals are to be recognized and evaluated using natural language recognition.

In the more practical part, David Romanto from Hauenstein Hotels presented the hotel group’s approach to the topic. For the General Manager of the hotels, hospitality is a competence that needs to be trained. Alice Leu from the Thun College of Tourism explained the extent to which this also includes the teaching of cultural skills.

The panel discussion at the forum dealt with the involvement of the population. It was shown “that a differentiated approach to this topic is necessary and that the concerns and fears of the local population with regard to tourism development must be taken seriously”, according to the press release.

April 2025
The winning project for the Stockhornstrasse development has been finalised

Four architectural firms from the Thun region, all with a renowned reputation for architectural excellence, were invited to participate in this prestigious project. Each of these firms collaborated with a landscape architecture firm to provide a comprehensive and holistic vision for the site. Of note was the participation of the “up-and-coming” firm akkurat bauatelier GmbH, which emphasised the diversity and breadth of the competition.

The designs submitted were characterised by their creative and diverse approaches, which contributed significantly to the decision-making process. After careful consideration, the committee selected the project by brügger architekten AG & extra Landschaftsarchitekten AG as the winner. The winning design impresses with its well thought-out integration into the existing landscape, its high-quality residential design and its visionary interpretation of the future development of Steffisburg.

A particular focus of this study commission was the seamless and meaningful integration of the new building project into the existing surroundings. The challenge was to harmonise the transition between the open landscape of the floodplain and the densely populated Steffisburg. The winning project masterfully manages to achieve this balance while offering high-quality living space.

It is important to emphasise that the result of this study commission not only sets the direction for this particular project, but also serves as a source of inspiration for future construction projects in the region.

December 2023
Sustainability meets quality of life in Spiez

This development not only meets the needs of singles, couples and families, but also takes into account the requirements of older people through special structural features. In realising the project, the focus is on both the quality of the construction and the use of sustainable materials, without losing sight of a fair price-performance ratio.

The design of the residential complex is based on modern architectural principles. It consists of five cloverleaf-shaped main buildings and a final building. This configuration forms a central courtyard that is ideal for communal activities. Star-shaped paths provide access to further green and leisure areas. The project accommodates a total of 81 residential units, the majority of which are for rent and 35 units for sale, including four luxury penthouses and two studios.

Away from the living spaces, the complex offers numerous amenities such as an underground car park with 96 parking spaces, bicycle and technical rooms and studios. But what makes this project stand out is its commitment to renewable energy. At its heart is an ice storage heating system that completely dispenses with fossil fuels. This innovative system utilises an underground water tank as an energy store, from which energy is generated by a heat pump. A solar air absorber optimises this process, making the project a pioneer in sustainable energy concepts.

December 2023
The “Louelipark” project as a guiding star in Heimberg

Nach der Stilllegung des Rigips-Areals in Heimberg öffnet sich eine seltene Gelegenheit zur Neugestaltung. Das Projekt «Louelipark» nimmt diese Chance wahr und zielt auf ein ausgewogenes Quartier, das Wohn-, Gewerbe- und Freiräume intelligent kombiniert, wodurch Heimberg an Attraktivität und Mehrwert gewinnt.

Hinter dem ambitionierten Vorhaben stehen die Berner Pensionskasse und die Frutiger AG. Ihre Vision? Die Transformation des ehemaligen Industrieareals in bis zu 300 Wohneinheiten, ergänzt durch Gewerbeflächen, die insgesamt ca. 4.000 Quadratmeter umfassen und Platz für etwa 100 Arbeitsstellen bieten. Obwohl der Schwerpunkt nicht auf Handelsbetrieben liegt, werden Handwerksunternehmen, Büros und produzierende Gewerbebetriebe in den Räumlichkeiten eine neue Heimat finden.

Die strategische Lage des Areals, nur einen Steinwurf vom Heimberger Bahnhof entfernt und direkt an der Stockhornstrasse gelegen, stellt sowohl für Anwohner als auch für Geschäftstreibende eine unschlagbare Lage dar. Dank seinen grosszügigen Aussenräumen und den unterschiedlichen Nutzungsmöglichkeiten weist das Quartier Zentrumsqualität auf und stellt damit einen Mehrwert für die Nachbarschaft und die ganze Gemeinde dar. Das Herzstück bildet der grosse Quartierpark, der zwischen dem Gewerbebau und den Wohnbauten liegt. Entlang des Loueligrabens bietet er Erholungsraum, Spielflächen und Plätze zum Verweilen. Das durchlässige und grüne Quartier bietet seinen Bewohnenden höchste Lebensqualität und ein naturnaher Lebensraum für Tiere. Im Betrieb nutzt der Louelipark erneuerbare Ressourcen, Photovoltaikanlagen produzieren vor Ort Strom und die Wärme wird aus dem Grundwasser gewonnen.

Weiter hervorzuheben ist der partizipative Ansatz: In der Phase der öffentlichen Mitwirkung konnten diverse Stakeholder ihre Meinungen und Anregungen in den Planungsprozess miteinbringen.

Die kantonale Vorpüfung ist der kommende Planungsschritt. Voraussichtlich im Sommer 2024 wird das Projekt öffentlich aufgelegt. Die anschliessende Abstimmung über die Überbauungsordnung ist ca. im Frühjahr 2025 vorgesehen. Der «Louelipark» markiert einen Meilenstein in Heimbergs Entwicklung, wobei eine hohe Lebensqualität und nachhaltige Werte im Mittelpunkt stehen.

Insgesamt verdeutlicht das Projekt einen fortschrittlichen Ansatz in der Gemeindeentwicklung von Heimberg, indem es Wohn-, Gewerbe- und Freiflächen ideal miteinander verknüpft und so zur Steigerung der allgemeinen Lebensqualität beiträgt.

December 2023
Conversion and modernisation of the former Swisscom building in Thun

The presented project for the conversion and extension of the property at Gewerbestrasse 15 is characterised by its uniqueness and versatility. It includes various forms of utilisation as well as residential models, and combines existing structures with new buildings. A special feature of the project is that, once planning permission has been granted, it will be realised while the remaining tenants (Swisscom) continue to operate.

In the first phase of the project, the building will be stripped of its current façade and the existing attic and two floors below it will be removed. These are to be replaced by three residential floors and a new parapet in timber construction. The remaining five floors of the building, from the 2nd basement to the 2nd upper floor, will remain largely unchanged and will continue to be used for commercial, storage and technical purposes. A newly added terrace to the south of the building, together with a ramp on the east façade, will bridge the difference in height between the ground floor and the street without barriers.

The project also emphasises the differences between the existing building and the extension in the façades: the lower floors will have a rear-ventilated stone façade, while the extension will be clad in rear-ventilated ceramic cladding. Towards the west, the building volume gives way to the railway tracks in order to meet acoustic challenges and create a terrace that serves as an open space for both the residents and the commercial tenants. Access to the flats is via arcades, bridges and greenery, which characterise the building in the western quarter.

December 2023
Future-orientated living in the Bostudenzelg

Bostudenzelg is one of the last contiguous undeveloped building zones in the city of Thun. For the site, half of which is owned by the city and half by Frutiger AG and the Bernese Pension Fund (BPK), the owners have developed a joint vision for modern living. The innovative residential project creates urgently needed living space for all generations, realising the city’s development goals in an exemplary manner.

Unique “open space” as a vision
The basis of the site development is the indicative project, which is based on the winning “open space” project that emerged from the ideas competition (SIA 142). The centrepiece is a spacious park around which the buildings are arranged in a ring, which is intended to promote a communal feeling of living “in the countryside”. The residential project attaches great importance to careful integration into the neighbourhood as well as good networking and design of the outdoor spaces, which are freed from motorised traffic.

High-quality internal development
Great importance is attached to the interaction between the buildings and the open space as well as the economical use of the land. Different building heights will bring accents and dynamism to the neighbourhood design and highlight the entrances to the new area.

An attractive and lively residential quarter
The residential project focuses on versatile and socially mixed forms of housing for all needs. In addition, the project offers space for other possible uses such as a kindergarten or daycare centre, a retirement and nursing home as well as public spaces and a neighbourhood meeting point. Commercial space and non-profit housing are also part of the plans. This mix of uses will make the residential neighbourhood more attractive and revitalise it.

Mobility and traffic concept
Great attention is being paid to aspects of sustainability and future-oriented and environmentally friendly mobility. The new development regulations call for a mobility operating concept that offers solutions to reduce the volume of traffic and thus improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood.

Involvement of the public
The appropriate involvement of the neighbourhood population and other interest groups is a major concern for the planning partners throughout the entire process. To date, the public has had the opportunity to submit their opinions and suggestions on the new development plan as part of the public consultation process. At the same time, the focus is on early and close cooperation with potential non-profit building rights holders. Further participatory development formats for the site are planned in connection with the granting of building rights and based on the participation concept.

Further steps
Following the public consultation process and the preliminary review by the canton, the new development regulations will be published.the process for allocating the urban building plots under building rights has also been started. The next step is to prepare the architectural competitions. At the same time, Frutiger AG and the Bernese Pension Fund are pressing ahead with the development of their construction project. Implementation will take place in several stages.

Conclusion
This project in Thun is an example of how careful, partnership-based and integrated planning as well as future-oriented and innovative development of a residential construction site can bring concrete added value to the surrounding neighbourhoods by ensuring a high level of urban planning quality for the buildings and outdoor spaces and ensuring appropriate involvement of the population, interest groups and partners.

December 2023
Future-oriented residential development Hoffmatte in Thun

The Hoffmatte site in Thun is an outstanding example of sustainable urban development that is geared towards the needs of people of all generations. The project comprises around 150 rental and owner-occupied flats, a nursing home with over 100 care places for the elderly, a daycare centre, a small shop and a neighbourhood café.

The project has a long history. In February 2022, the Thun electorate voted 62 per cent in favour of the new “Hoffmatte” zone with planning obligation. After several years of legal proceedings, the Federal Supreme Court finally dismissed all appeals, meaning that the ZPP and the associated development regulations became legally binding in spring 2023.

In May 2023, the Solina Foundation, as the operator of the care home, and Frutiger AG signed a cooperation agreement, thereby taking an important step towards the realisation of their joint project. With the decision of the Federal Supreme Court and the approval of the canton, the project has reached milestones that form a solid basis for the next development steps.

With the development of the new residential project in Hoffmatte, the initiators are striving for a high quality of life. Thanks to the commitment of the various stakeholders, the project has now been given the necessary legal and planning framework to create new living space for the people of Thun.

December 2023
Redesign in the heart of Thun

Bälliz, located on the south-western edge of Thun’s old town, is home to four properties owned by the Frutiger Pensionskasse. Despite their poor condition, these historic buildings are worth preserving and some are still rented out. The special significance of the Bälliz area is reflected in its inclusion in the ISOS Federal Inventory, which characterises it as a site of national importance. As a result, its characteristic structure must be preserved as far as possible.

Previous challenges
A feasibility study carried out in 2015 was rejected by various federal commissions. A new five-storey building was particularly controversial. In response, a workshop was organised to define new guidelines for the development of the area and prepare a project competition.

A winning concept emerges
Several designs were submitted as part of a 2022 study commission. The team from Baumann Lukas Architektur impressed the judging panel with a design that ideally combined urban and atmospheric aspects. This design honours the historical structure of the region and shows respect for the typical belt-shaped parcelling. It integrates the main houses and outbuildings in a way that reflects the significance of the site. The ground floor will continue to offer areas accessible to the public, while the upper floors will mainly contain flats.

Diversity versus monotony
The design by Baumann Lukas Architektur stands out for its diversity. The design makes reference to the characteristic structures of the Middle Ages and provides for innovative developments, such as the public “Gässlihof”, which retains its authenticity by preserving a historic building. In contrast, other submitted designs were not as differentiated in their proposals and were not able to convince the judging panel to the same extent.

December 2023
Plus de Jardins – The pulse of Thun’s new garden quarter Siegenthalergut

A major urban development project is taking shape in the south-west of Thun. The Siegenthalergut, which covers an area of five hectares, is to be transformed into a future-oriented residential neighbourhood for 1500 people over the next few years. Frutiger AG is working closely with the city to develop urgently needed living space for the people of Thun. The aim is for the entire development of the Siegenthalergut to be significantly characterised by the open space. For the design of the outdoor space, the city and Frutiger AG carried out a study contract in accordance with SIA 143. The task was to develop an open space concept for the park, the boulevard along Hohmadstrasse and the other outdoor spaces.

Winning project “Plus de Jardins“
The centrepiece of the open space design is the “Plus de Jardins” project by the Zurich landscape architecture firm “Skala Landschaft Stadt Raum”, which emerged as the winner of the study contract. It is impressive in terms of both design and ecology and creates the ideal conditions for a versatile public park as a meeting place.

Public park as a meeting place
The park, which will cover around 7,100 m², is intended to be a meeting place for the entire neighbourhood. With a large open meadow for sports and play activities, surrounded by groups of trees and a natural stone band that rises up in places to form a seating wall, the park creates an inviting atmosphere.

Ecological quality and multifunctionality
The residential alleys between the building plots and the boulevard along Hohmadstrasse not only serve to provide access, but also contribute to a biodiverse quality with their varied design and biodiversity. Multifunctionality and different atmospheres in the various outdoor spaces characterise the concept and support the idea of a neighbourhood that facilitates encounters and creates new open spaces.

Involvement of the local population
There is a particular focus on involving the local population. Their needs and concerns are continuously incorporated into the further development of the project. Workshops and surveys were held to ensure that the concerns of the neighbourhood were taken into account in the study contract. The survey of the population was not limited to the topic of outdoor spaces, but also included various topics relevant to the development of this dimension.

Future steps towards realisation
The creation of a new zone with planning obligation (ZPP) is necessary for the realisation of the project, which is expected to go to public consultation in the first quarter of 2024. Once the ZPP has been approved by Thun City Council, it will be authorised by the canton. Following approval, a master plan will be drawn up for the entire perimeter, which will form the basis for the development regulations and the architectural competitions.

Outlook for the construction phase
The start of the first construction phase is planned for 2027. The Siegenthalergut is a prime example of sustainable urban development. It is characterised by a well thought-out combination of living space, open spaces and communal facilities.

December 2023
sustainable “Neue Freistatt” housing project takes shape

The “Neue Freistatt” sustainable housing project, designed by Brügger Architekten and Studio Vulkan Landschaftsarchitektur, is taking shape in Thun. The aim of the project is to develop the town centre to provide affordable living space for a broad section of the population. The plans include 260 flats, a post office, a neighbourhood centre with a café, a kindergarten and a daycare centre. The city of Thun and the property developers, GBWG Freistatt and the Municipal Pension Fund, have jointly honed the project over the past year, and the indicative project is now available, which will serve as the basis for the actual construction project.

The Municipal Pension Fund of Thun and GBWG Freistatt have agreed on the division. The pension fund will take over the buildings on Länggasse up to the Mattenstrasse-Länggasse roundabout, while GBWG Freistatt will take over the buildings along Jägerweg and all buildings on Mattenstrasse and out of town from the roundabout. Both parties are working closely together on the infrastructure, outdoor areas and car parks.

The urban development concept is based on a garden city idea with a high proportion of greenery, optimised routing and high ecological standards. . The buildings along Jägerweg and Länggasse emphasise the structure of the site. Four- to seven-storey buildings are planned here, allowing for different types of housing. A public open space between the buildings and the Lindenplatz square with a community centre form the heart of the “Neue Freistatt”.

During further development, the focus was placed on issues such as volume staggering, roof design and shading, whereby the building heights and shadows were deemed acceptable. A revised traffic concept rounds off the project. The referendum is scheduled for spring – summer 2024 and the start of construction is planned for 2025. Realisation will take place in three successive stages, with the first flats expected to be ready for occupancy from 2027. Interested parties can be kept up to date via the neuefreistatt.ch website.

December 2023
A new chapter is being opened on the former Comadur site

High-quality and identity-creating development
The project vision for the development /
reuse of the former Comadur site is to develop an urban, mixed-use, identity-creating neighbourhood component with high-quality buildings and open spaces in the short to medium term. Accordingly, the city of Thun and the client (Pension Fund of the Swiss Bar Association (PKSAV)) carried out a multi-stage planning process. The aim was to sound out the potential of the site in a study of design variants, to secure the urban planning qualities as part of a project competition in accordance with SIA Ordinance 142 and to define these under planning law in a zone with planning obligation (ZPP).

The winning project “Capybara“
The winning project “Capybara” forms the basis for the development of the Comadur site at Bernstrasse 11. It sets new accents in a heterogeneous environment with innovative urban planning and architectural measures. The three characterful buildings – the “Stadthaus”, the “Gartenhaus” and the “Anbau” – merge creatively with the existing structure of the neighbourhood. They form a coherent ensemble that impresses with its density, diversity and clear identities. A central element of the design is the connecting inner courtyard. It not only creates a seamless integration of the new buildings, but also promotes dialogue with the surrounding neighbourhood. The skilful combination of materials, colours and textures creates an interplay between the history of Comadur and the contemporary elements of the project.

Sustainable design
The project is of a very high quality in various aspects. In addition to the visible and appealing design, sustainability considerations and the consideration of grey energy as well as a conscious and careful use of materials play an important role. The project offers a balanced mix of aesthetics, sustainability and integration into the existing neighbourhood.

Diverse and lively “neighbourhood piece“
The focus of the site development is on the realisation of contemporary forms of housing. Around 60 new flats are planned. The residential units are diverse and specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of potential residents. This residential use will be supplemented by additional uses that are adapted to the location and orientated towards the public. In this way, a lively and identity-creating neighbourhood component is being created.

Conclusion
The site development at Bernstrasse 11 presents itself as a visionary project that honours the past and at the same time provides forward-looking impetus. The winning project “Capybara” shows how history and the present can be combined in a densely populated area, always focussing on quality and care.

December 2023
Participatory planning as the basis for sustainable development

The key area for urban development, the Thun railway station district, is at an important turning point. The vision of a dynamic mobility hub and a lively urban neighbourhood is making progress with the findings now available from the participatory charrette process. Mayor Raphael Lanz emphasises the importance of the open-ended and participatory process, which creates a solid basis for future planning steps.

The charrette process, in which visions and viable solutions were developed by three interdisciplinary teams, demonstrates the importance of involving various interest groups in the planning process. The broad participation enabled a comprehensive dialogue and the development of shared visions for the Thun railway station district.

One of the key findings is the need to make spatial and operational optimisations in order to create a future-oriented mobility hub that is suitable for the disabled. This also includes relieving Seestrasse and the Maulbeer roundabout of motorised individual traffic and incorporating the south side of the station for a new bus solution. In order to develop the area in a timely and sustainable manner, major upfront investments and interdependencies should be avoided as far as possible.

In addition, the development should take into account the existing identities and structures and build on optimised access and open spaces. The promotion of a location-appropriate and balanced mixed-use urban neighbourhood with a high degree of flexibility and the strengthening of public spaces are further key objectives. For example, Bahnhofplatz, the Schifflände and the riverside promenade are to be upgraded and further developed as important public spaces. Improved pedestrian and cycle connections, including new links such as a “panoramic bridge” crossing the Aare and a railway overpass, are also under discussion. Seestrasse is to become an attractive backbone for the neighbouring development area. This extends between the railway tracks and shipping canal as well as the River Aare. Over the next few years, the entire neighbourhood is to develop into a well-located, well-balanced area with a variety of focal points and space for innovative residential and working uses.

In parallel with the further planning, the city is tackling initial measures to make the area more attractive. One example of this is the temporary greening of Aarefeldplatz with “climate trees”, which has already been completed and not only helped to improve the quality of life over the summer months, but also emphasised the importance of green spaces in urban areas. With this “LeiStbild” and the final report from the charrette process, the city of Thun has a clear idea of how the area should be developed in the coming years. The synthesis of these findings is currently being incorporated into a masterplan and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2023. The masterplan will serve as a further guideline for the implementation of the project. Thanks to these coordinated efforts, the city of Thun is well on the way to realising its vision of a liveable and mobility-friendly urban district at Thun railway station.

December 2023
Thun’s step into the vibrant future

The area along the picturesque River Aare, which stretches between the bustling city centre and Lerchenfeld, holds a vibrant future for the city of Thun. The Tryber development will create a new, mixed-use and sustainable district that promises a wide range of possible uses. The special feature here is the deliberate retention of local qualities such as existing jobs, existing buildings and the favourable location, while the new forms of use are being introduced gradually and thoughtfully.

A lively mix of regional businesses, culture, local recreational opportunities, gastronomy and mixed residential construction is being created in the Tryber. This mix not only revitalises the district itself, but also contributes to the vitalisation of the entire city and creates a new, vibrant sub-centre that enriches Thun as a whole.

The foundations for this transformation from a pure workplace area to a lively, mixed district were laid in the “STEK 2035 urban development concept”, which identified the Thun-Nord area as one of four premium development priorities. Cantonal planning has given the area top priority. An important step towards planning and development security was taken with the start of work on the revision of the ESP Thun North structure plan. This structure plan forms an essential spatial and urban planning basis for the larger, as yet undeveloped areas of the Tryber Quartier.

The development is a long-term endeavour that will gradually create an interesting mix of residential, commercial and leisure space on an area of 110,000 m2 . Where ammunition was once manufactured, a space for living, working and relaxing is now being created.

The central company behind this project, RUAG Real Estate Ltd, is planning to revitalise the area along Uttigenstrasse in the Thun North development focus (ESP) and create a completely new sub-centre. An integral part of this development is the opening up of Uttigenstrasse, which has been reopened to traffic after a long break of 40 years. The planned new “Thun Nord” S-Bahn stop is also an important element in improving access to the site.

RUAG Real Estate Ltd has a sustainable vision for the development of the Tryber. It is not intended to be an abrupt change, but a gradual transition that makes the most of the existing building fabric and only creates something new where it is absolutely necessary. Innovative concepts such as co-working spaces, pop-up uses and other interim uses are being considered in order to create a “trendy quarter”.

RUAG Real Estate Ltd’s ambitious revitalisation of the Patronenfabrik visibly marks the start of the guided Tryber development. Around 1,000m2 of light-flooded and freely divisible office and studio space is being created in a stately historic building directly on Uttigenstrasse and in the immediate vicinity of the future S-Bahn station.

The S-Bahn station in particular will not only position the Tryber as a local link between Thun’s city centre and Lerchenfeld, but will also increase its accessibility and attractiveness beyond the region towards Bern, the Mittelland and even as far as Valais. The coordinated planning between RUAG Real Estate AG and the planning department of the City of Thun ensures that the Tryber project will proceed in harmony with the other planned developments in the Thun North ESP and lays the foundation for a dynamic, well-connected and vibrant community that will take root in Thun in the coming years.

November 2023
Thun’s strategic view of urban development with STEK 2035

The STEK 2035 identifies the core themes of urban development and organises them into five strategic areas: Living, working, mixed-use areas and centres, landscape and open spaces as well as urban space and mobility. Specific measures and fields of action are identified for the implementation of these strategies.

The strategy is designed as a steering instrument for urban development. It serves as a basis for future neighbourhood, area and landscape developments, for the coordination of settlements and transport and for the careful and attractive design of public spaces and open spaces. It also forms the basis for the revision of the basic building and planning regulations (revision of the building regulations and the zoning plan).

The “Housing” strategy shows Thun a clear way to make the future housing supply attractive, diverse and contemporary and to revitalise neighbourhoods so that a good social mix can be promoted. This involves identifying areas with particularly high development potential and others where the focus is on preserving historical and particularly valuable qualities.

As the eleventh largest city in Switzerland with a population of around 45,000, Thun is enjoying growing popularity. This is not least due to the many green spaces and the special character of the city. The different atmospheres of the neighbourhoods create a unique cityscape that harmoniously combines urban, suburban and rural elements.

The “Working” strategy creates the framework conditions for the further development of trade, industry and work. With a view to stronger development in the service sector, the city places particular emphasis on mixed areas that offer space for both housing and jobs. Certain areas are explicitly earmarked for labour-intensive uses or even the military. The city of Thun plays an important role as a regionally significant employment location for both the surrounding municipalities and the entire Oberland region.

Another building block of Thun’s urban development is the “Mixed areas and centres” strategy. The focus here is on making the city centre more attractive. Mixed-use areas that combine living, working and leisure are of central importance. Thun’s city centre, with its good accessibility and concentration of services, forms the heart of the city and is a model for other diverse and lively mixed-use areas. To complement the city centre, attractive secondary centres are being promoted and existing supply locations developed in a targeted manner. At the same time, Thun attaches great importance to strengthening the neighbourhood centres, which are indispensable for providing the population with basic services.

The “Landscape and open spaces” strategy underlines the desire to strike a balance between settlement development and the protection of ecologically valuable areas. The preservation of cultivated land, the protection of habitats and access to green spaces take centre stage. Particular attention is paid to the networking of green spaces in order to preserve nature and protect special landscapes such as Strättlighügel or Haslimoos.

To summarise, it can be said that the importance of public green and open spaces in the midst of high-quality inner-city development is steadily increasing. The STEK 2035 emphasises this and considers open spaces to be indispensable for high-quality urban development. This supports Thun’s aspiration to be a sustainable and liveable city with a comprehensive quality of life.

November 2023
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