When did you hear about the SIG site, and in what context did the name come up?

I had known about the SIG site for quite a long time – and especially its founders. On a professional level, we were first able to explore the SIG site when carrying out an economic assessment of the Phoenix project. At the time, we examined the project both economically and in terms of urban planning. In 2013, the SIG foundation asked us to work on the urban development of the site.

Describe the SIG site today in a few sentences from an urban development point of view.

The SIG site is still an attractive industrial area that is home to around 1,100 workers. Thanks to the new suburban train station Neuhausen Rheinfall directly on Industrieplatz, the area has been revitalised and now has enormous future potential. The Rhine Falls are also on the doorstep. As a result, the properties owned by the SIG foundation are in a very prominent location. Additionally, some of the buildings are only partially rented or empty. In the near future, this is where the first urban development will take place in the form of conversions and additional buildings.

Where does the location have most potential?

In recent months, we have supervised test planning for the whole site. The results, compiled by architects, landscapers, traffic planners and economists, have shown us that there is great potential for development in the northern part of the site, right next to Neuhausen town centre.

«THE SIG SITE MUST KEEP ITS STRONG IDENTITY. THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE PROIRITY FOR US.»

And how do you intend to use this potential in the future?

Our vision is based on integrating public spaces and making the site more attractive by creating and stimulating new places and connections. The buildings will have an appealing address, and an appealing address can help to entice more industry, leading to new jobs and new residents. We also want to strengthen tourism by positioning the site as a public meeting place. In the northern part of the SIG site, for example, we are striving towards a modern, well-connected urban neighbourhood with excellent building developments. The cultural and touristic offer here will put the site on the map throughout Switzerland. In the southern part of the SIG site, we want to create a modern industrial location – working together with current and future tenants.

Are there any possible stumbling blocks or obstacles on the way to the transformed site?

A priority for us is that the SIG site should keep its strong identity. We must manage to remain true to an urban focus in the north and a more industrial orientation in the south. Since the transformation is a project spanning generations, it will be a challenge to guarantee basic elements of urban planning in the long term. Another risk is that the industrial location could change more quickly than planned due to the strength of the Swiss franc. This would force us to find temporary use for vacant halls and offices.

How do you deal with these obstacles when planning the future site?

Given that zone changes are a political process, we will tackle the legal framework and try to secure our vision legally by organising an interdisciplinary planning process. With regard to interim use, it is important that this becomes an integral part of the transformation process. This calls for creative minds who want to help shape such interim use or occupy the spaces concerned.

How is your cooperation with the other parties involved?

We maintain good relationships with the surrounding neighbours, the municipal authorities and the canton. The SIG foundation has communicated openly about its planning intentions and vision over the past two years. This has created trust.

How are you making sure that the SIG site and the municipality of Neuhausen act more closely as a unit?

The ownership structure represents a great opportunity for the process. The SIG site belongs to the SIG foundation. This means the the site will remain in the same hands for a long time to come. Furthermore, the vision behind the site development is anchored in the foundation’s mission statement. People coordinate site test planning and land use planning by the municipality. The administration department was involved in the test planning workshop.

How do you decide on the right priorities for such an extensive transformation process?

The priority for us are the public spaces – the squares, parks and belvedere over the Rhine Falls. These open spaces were guaranteed in a master plan. Additionally, important industrial buildings on the site have been protected without making it impossible to introduce a new orientation. We will continue to work on the mobility concept and a future energy supply for the site. As a first step, the Grünerbaum project demonstrates what values matter most to the SIG foundation: public spaces, ground floor use and urban living. In such ways, we are taking an innovative and sensitive approach as we write the next chapter of the site’s history.

What is your personal goal with regard to this extensive transformation?

We have embarked on a long-term strategy. For me, the task of developing the SIG site has long been a matter close to my heart. I would be delighted if we were able to support the foundation for a long time in what is an extremely important process for both the municipality of Neuhausen am Rheinfall and the canton of Schaffhausen.

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BEAT ODINGA

Partner at Odinga Picenoni Hagen AG, Uster
Strategic and building owner consulting, project development and management, strategic site marketing