Story Detail

Place to be: Espace Tourbillon

The imminent completion of Espace Tourbillon, currently the largest development project being managed by Swiss Prime Site Immobilien, is rapidly approaching. Designed with the aim of satisfying a wide variety of customer requirements, the properties already have a diverse range of users and offer space and substantial added value to the canton of Geneva and its economy.

In Plan-les-Ouates, a growth area near the city of Geneva, the Espace Tourbillon development project has been in construction since mid-2018 and will boast a total rental space of around 95 000 m2. The site featuring five striking buildings is being developed by Swiss Prime Site Immobilien and, following completion, will provide the flourishing district with infrastructure for 4 000 new jobs in the retail, industrial, commercial, skilled trade and service sectors. The buildings are connected underground across a total of three floors. This cleverly designed concept ensures that all logistics can be handled centrally and efficiently underground. As a result of the development of the pioneering site on previously undeveloped land, the whole neighbourhood, the municipality of Plan-les-Ouates and the city and canton of Geneva will experience a significant increase in terms of their economic quality.

Generous spaces and a modern work environment
On behalf of Swiss Prime Site Immobilien, the architects at Brodbeck-Roulet have realised the vision of a high-quality work location at the Espace Tourbillon development project. Public areas and a pedestrian zone planted with greenery foster social interaction among tenants and visitors. The expansiveness of the site has a welcoming effect and is in keeping with the spirit and requirements of the new world of work. Inside the buildings, the spaces have been individually tailored to the tenants. For the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation (HWS), for example, which was an important development partner from the beginning. The foundation recognised the advantages of the unusual campus feel of the development in responding to the growing economic need for space in the canton of Geneva, and consequently bought three buildings in the development. In spring 2021, the first property was handed over to its new owner ready for use.

Space for education and innovation
Working together with the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, Swiss Prime Site Immobilien has managed to create the ideal environment for various cantonal educational facilities and organisations, as well as a vocational training centre. Two buildings will soon be occupied by a total of ten Geneva social institutions whose aim is to assist with people’s professional reintegration. There are also future plans to create a start-up cluster for socially committed young enterprises. Previously geographically scattered, these institutions and start-ups will continue their activities on the Espace Tourbillon site from the end of 2021. Their new-found proximity and the inspiring modern setting will allow them to harness additional synergies. As befits their Geneva location, these organisations will also provide services to the watch industry. For example, it will be possible to procure highly specialised cleaning solutions for the production instruments used in «haute horlogerie». The Geneva School of Watchmaking will also take up premises at Espace Tourbillon from 2024.

Added value for Geneva
Espace Tourbillon is set to enhance the municipality of Plan-les-Ouates and the city and canton of Geneva with a rich variety of uses, space for a large number of companies and, with it, scope for the creation of new jobs. The public will also benefit, with practical services like a large retailer, various eateries and spaces to relax. Various other service providers, including co-working spaces, banks and hairdressers, will add value to the district. Tram line 15 is set to have a stop here, so the site will also have good local public transport connections. All of this gives employees, visitors and local residents the best possible access to Espace Tourbillon and allows them to use the facilities in an efficient way. The fact that almost all the space has already been leased to local companies only underlines the appeal of the complex. Usable floor space remains available under rental agreements or for innovative floor ownership for businesses only in Buildings A and B.

«Companies from various industries receive attractive and flexible space, the canton can delocalise companies from the Praille Acacias Vernets (PAV) and position itself as a location for innovation»

Jean Megow, Head Region West Swiss Prime Site Immobilien, is satisfied with the development’s progress. As he sees it, Espace Tourbillon will offer the Geneva region new, modern and urgently needed workspace. Companies, the city and the canton will all benefit as a result. Businesses from different industries will be able to make the most of appealing and flexible premises, while the canton can offer a very well connected development area, and moreover position itself as an innovation hub. In short, it’s «the place to be». Espace Tourbillon will be completed in late 2021.

Facts Espace Tourbillon:

  • 95 000 m2 total usable area
  • 4 000 jobs
  • 150 parking spaces
  • Sustainability: Minergie
  • Completion end of 2021

Espace Tourbillon was awarded the Prix BILAN de l’immobilier 2021 in the «industrial and commercial buildings» category. A great endorsement for this promising property. 
 

www.espacetourbillon.ch

LinkedIn Copy Link