The Steel Foundry in Schaffhausen

Repurposing & Upgrading an Industrial Site

Initial Situation

Rejuvenating a Brownfield Site

The former steel foundry in Schaffhausen was for years one of the largest abandoned industrial sites in Switzerland. Over 300m long, the site was one of the most prominent witnesses to a manufacturing prowess which extended far beyond the Canton of Schaffhausen. Proximity to the railway station and the old town quarter, combined with excellent road links, make the site attractive.

High-density construction, brownfield site rejuvenation, preservation of industrial heritage and generating a return on the economic potential of the site without sacrificing cultural land assets were all key aspects of the concept development phase.

Project Profile

New apartments

Meter city garden

Approach

Repurposing & Upgrading a Site

Generis AG facilitated a stakeholder consultation process engaging the various interest groups to identify their needs and integrate these into planning the concept.

This participative approach enabled development of a solution which would allow the industrial heritage of the steel foundry to enjoy a revitalised future. Integration of an arena would help Schaffhausen to attract national and international sports and entertainment events, which in turn would help raise awareness and create positive perceptions of the area.

Achievements

Overall concept for upgrading the site

Skilful stakeholder management succeeded in aligning the interests of civic conservation and environmental groups, residents, municipal authorities as well as the developer and investors. As a result, a well-balanced proposal was submitted for consultation.

The dynamics of communications in the referendum which put the proposal to the people led to a small majority against involvement of the public sector and brought planning to a halt. Fortunately, the site’s owners continued to develop the project and the first construction equipment appeared on site in the summer of 2015, with the first apartments being occupied in spring 2020!