2023-11-27 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Baar electorate has clearly approved the forward-looking Spinnerei an der Lorze development plan with 67.1% of the vote. The site is being transformed from an industrial and commercial area into a mixed district with residential and commercial uses. The voters approved the partial revision of the zoning plan and the new development plan. This means that the development, which was drawn up back in 2015 in collaboration with the cantonal and municipal authorities, can now be realized.
“We are very pleased that the voters of Baar, like the municipal council, believe that the project represents significant added value for the municipality,” says municipal councilor Zari Dzaferi. “We are gaining urgently needed living space, a green quarter and attractive areas for businesses.” In the future, the area around the listed, striking industrial monument, which is over 200 meters long, will change fundamentally.
The industrial buildings from the 1980s along Langgasse will be demolished and replaced by new buildings that leave more space for the old spinning mill. The administration building on the access road from Langgasse will be converted and put to public use. Various residential buildings will be built on the side facing Altgutsch and Höllwald. The development plan specifies 5,900 m2 of affordable housing and 6,500 m2 for retirement apartments. On the first floors and in the buildings on Langgasse, retail, commercial and office space, gastronomic uses, education, culture and a hotel are planned. The above-ground parking spaces will largely disappear underground. Instead of asphalt, the site will be dominated by green spaces, trees and a dense network of paths for bicycles and pedestrians.
The project will fundamentally change the dilapidated area and give it a new lease of life. Added value can be expected for its users and for the community on various levels: Trees instead of asphalt: replacing paved surfaces with permeable, near-natural soils, trees and green spaces. Apartments: instead of metal sheds, apartments for older and lower-income households and families – from the region. Lively quarter: revitalization of the area with an attractive concept and mixed use, restaurants, cafés, meeting places. Sustainable reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 2/3 of the existing level. Upgrading and freeing up the spinning mill building. Restoration of abandoned buildings. Pedestrian zone and public squares, playgrounds. Space for culture and leisure. Hotel operation: offer for guests from the entire region. Best accessibility and mobility concept, preservation of underground parking spaces. Space for business and new economic opportunities.
The Spinnerei site development enjoyed broad political support. The Baar party executive committees of Die Mitte, FDP, SP, Alternative – die Grünen and GLP recommended a twofold Yes: to the development planning and to the partial revision of the zoning plan and building regulations.
The landowner is the co-ownership Spinnerei an der Lorze, which consists of the listed Patrimonium Swiss Real Estate Fund and the Patrimonium Investment Foundation. Patrimonium Asset Management AG acts as fund management and managing company. This means that the project and the future quarter have a solid, long-term Swiss sponsor.
Lilin Architekten Sia Gmbh, Zurich, is responsible for the architecture. Spatial planning: Suter von Känel Wild Planer und Architekten AG. Open space: Lorenz Eugster Landschaftsarchitektur und Städtebau GmbH, Zurich.
The development plan will become legally binding on 31.5.2024. It is planned that the residential buildings (south site) will be ready for occupation from mid-2028 and the north site (commercial and residential) from the end of 2030. More detailed information on the project can be found at www.spinnereilorze.ch.