Urba(h)n

From bus depot to new city centre district

Initial Situation

Inner-city site development

In the 1990s, the bus depot in Schaffhausen occupied an attractive and central position adjoining the railway station and close to the old town quarter. In 1999, working with the President of the Municipal Government and Head of Planning, Generis AG developed a vision to repurpose and upgrade the site for higher-value use and revenue generation.

All relevant parties were consulted on the proposal to relocate the bus depot, smoothing the path to redevelopment of the site. The vision was developed into a concept which was subject to a public referendum in which 57% of voters approved the proposal.

Project Profile

Total investments

m2 living and working space

Approach

Architects & investors competition

After the bus depot relocated in 2004, the area to the west of the railway station was constantly changing. The impetus of the upgrade to the depot led to the development of adjoining properties, triggering a wave of planning applications and construction work.

Development of the bus depot site also continued with the City of Schaffhausen publishing a combined competition for the architectural design and for the investment required in order to ensure the development was both attractive and economically sound. In choosing the winner, the City of Schaffhausen found the key investor to turn the vision into the new «Urbahn» development.

Achievements

Urban Value Creation

Generis AG’s project to relocate the bus depot proved to be a real success for the City of Schaffhausen: the proceeds from the sale of the depot financed a new depot, close to the station.

At the same time, the City acquired a new district, boasting high-quality accommodation, a seminar and congress hotel with a spa, offices and work spaces which were occupied e.g. by doctors practices.

Marcel Wenger

Former President of the City of Schaffhausen

«As the Project Lead, Generis AG created an overall vision which succeeded in unifying all stakeholders, across the political divide, and which provided the foundation for a successful development.»