The upgrade and repositioning of the former printing centre in Schlieren is making great strides. Under the name JED (Join. Explore. Dare), the historic site has been undergoing development since 2017 to become a centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer with attractive working environments. Swiss Prime Site Immobilien aims to offer companies in the technology, information and engineering industries an attractive, inspiring and collaborative setting. To achieve this, the two existing buildings will be enhanced by 2021 with several gastronomy options and events, as well as meeting areas accessible to the public. 75% of the spaces currently available (24 000 m²) have already been let. An unique new building will complete the site from late 2022.

Anchor tenant Zühlke moves in

The leased space (measuring approx. 9 000 m²) was handed over to the anchor tenant Zühlke at the beginning of April 2020. The former printing hall and a part of the original logistics platform have been individually designed to meet the needs of the international engineering and consulting firm and its staff of approximately 450. Nicolas Durville, CEO of Zühlke Switzerland, said: «Our new home is a huge opportunity for Zühlke as a company. The flexible architecture, the site’s open spaces and the innovative environment promote exchanges between staff, clients and partners. This enables us to better implement multidisciplinary client projects and highlight our successes in a visible way.» Peter Lehmann, CEO of Swiss Prime Site Immobilien, added: «The measure of courage it took to invest in this vacant site has paid off. It’s an impressive example of how an industrial facility can be preserved and transformed into modern work environments – entirely in line with the wishes of our anchor tenant Zühlke.»

Legally valid building permit for the building concept «2226»

In the western section of the site on a land reserve, a new building measuring approximately 14 000 m² will complete JED by the end of 2022. Swiss Prime Site Immobilien obtained the legally valid building permit for this work at the end of May 2020. The property is rooted in the «2226» concept (solid construction method) and needs no heating, ventilation, cooling or external energy supply. The indoor temperature will be constantly between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. Minimal technical installations ensure the air quality is kept within a comfortable range by natural means. Once complete, the building will feature both exceptionally large interconnected spaces and smaller areas that can be easily partitioned, lending the structure unique qualities, just like the other buildings in the complex.