With the signing of the long-term building lease between Bluefactory Fribourg-Freiburg SA and Smallcity Fribourg SA, the development of Building Plot C has formally moved into the next phase. In parallel, a contract for parallel studies has been in place since September 2026. Five teams are initially working on designs, two of which will proceed to a second round. The winner is due to be announced in the summer of 2027.
The development programme is remarkably large for the site. Around 41,000 square metres of floor area are planned along the Route de la Glâne. Just under half of this will be residential. The plans include around 210 rental flats, as well as space for shops, offices, laboratories and facilities for education and innovation. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2029.
More residential space in the innovation district
For Bluefactory, this step is more than just another phase in the site’s redevelopment. The site, which has so far been strongly characterised by research, start-ups and workspaces, will, for the first time, feature a significant residential component. It is precisely this mix that is intended to integrate the former Cardinal site more closely into the urban environment and bring the neighbourhood to life even outside working hours.
Smart Living Lab continues in parallel
The development of Building Plot C is not taking place in isolation. Construction of the new Smart Living Lab is also underway on the site. According to the project schedule, the research building is in the construction phase from 2025 to 2027 and is set to accommodate around 150 people from EPFL, HEIA-FR and the University of Fribourg from 2027 onwards. This means that residential, research and commercial uses are growing together simultaneously on the same site.
Bluefactory remains a long-term project
Bluefactory has been developing the former brewery site, covering around six hectares, in phases for years. The new residential and mixed-use project now demonstrates the direction of this transformation. The aim is to turn what was purely an innovation hub into an urban neighbourhood with sustainable use. This is particularly relevant for Fribourg because it not only creates additional homes but also ensures that a centrally located development area is utilised more intensively and diversely.
