The new Lokstadt: urban, versatile, steeped in history
Where locomotives were once built, a new, innovative and sustainable district is being created. Lokstadt combines the 19th with the 21st century: The industrial heritage of the area is being carefully combined with modernity.
The “Rocket” high-rise is one of the tallest timber residential buildings in planning. With Lokstadt, Implenia is developing a new, urban and diverse district with 750 apartments for around 1500 people. Lokstadt is located south-east of Winterthur railroad station. In the past, this area was home to the workshops of the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Factory (SLM) – the most important locomotive forge in Switzerland. The neighboring Sulzer factory took over SLM in the 1960s.
Some of the locomotives produced by SLM bear the names of the various construction fields. For example, the “Tender”: condominiums were built here, which have been occupied since mid-2023, as well as commercial space. There were also 11 “townhouses” for sale: these are four- to five-storey maisonette apartments that have already been completed. In a second construction phase, six four-storey “townhouses” were built: these comprise a total of 24 apartments and have been ready for occupancy since spring 2023. The “Elefant” office building, which is located directly on Zürcherstrasse, has also been occupied since summer 2024.
The central Dialogplatz will be framed by three buildings in future. The first is the “Krokodil” in timber construction. Here, 254 apartments have been created to meet the diverse housing needs of three cooperatives and individual homeowners. Vertical bands of windows are reminiscent of the former industrial halls and give the building a clear structure. BIGBOY” is located at the front of Dialogplatz. The 50 meter high building with 16 floors houses 125 rental apartments as well as office and commercial space between 55 and 370 square meters. The roof terrace offers a unique view over Lokstadt and the whole of Winterthur. The industrial past of the site is reflected in the brick façade. BIGBOY was ready for occupancy in summer 2023. The third building is still under development and is currently one of the tallest planned timber residential buildings: “Rocket”, developed and realized on behalf of Ina Invest, will be 100 meters high and with 33 floors will be the landmark of the new district and the Winterthur skyline. There are plans for 272 apartments. Charitable apartments are also planned in the “Tigerli” base building. A hotel is also planned. The move-in date is planned for 2028.
Lokstadt stands for the sustainable use of resources, a carefully planned variety of uses and the innovative revitalization of listed buildings. These include the former factory buildings. Under the leadership of Implenia, these are being transformed into spaces that reflect local history and modern city life. The district is being developed step by step in accordance with the SIA Efficiency Path 2040. Despite the dense construction, emphasis is placed on sufficient open spaces and a high quality of stay. The site will be developed with an underground car park for motorized traffic across all building plots. Above ground, pedestrians and cyclists have priority thanks to a generously designed pedestrian zone.
With Lokstadt, Winterthur connects the 19th century with the 21st century. Here, the city’s industrial history is brought together with Winterthur’s future as a residential and service city. The district is being built for people who love city life and care about sustainability.