Emmenbrücke is building a new neighbourhood at the station

On 1 October 2026, work will begin on setting up the construction site at the Emmenbaum site in Emmenbrücke. By spring 2030, 80 rental flats, a 139-room hotel and around 3,000 square metres of office and commercial space are to be built there at a cost of around 90 million Swiss francs.

An unusually long lead-up period precedes the start of construction. The development of the site, which covers around 6,200 square metres and is situated right next to Emmenbrücke railway station, took more than ten years. The planning permission has now been granted, and the demolition of the existing buildings is set to begin at the end of October 2026. The actual construction work, involving cranes and building works, is scheduled to start in May 2027.

The project comprises six buildings. Around 80 rental flats are planned in various housing formats, ranging from micro-living to intergenerational accommodation, along with the Zleep Hotel, featuring 139 rooms, and around 3,000 square metres of office and commercial space. The development is being carried out by five landowners who have formed a simple partnership known as the ‘Emmenbaum-Areal’.

A diverse mix at the rail hub
For Emmenbrücke, the mix of uses is the real driving force behind the project. The new neighbourhood combines residential, hotel, work and catering facilities in a compact space directly at the station. The project website also describes alley-like spaces, a courtyard and communal terraces, which are intended to link the station area more closely with the neighbouring Viscosistadt.

Construction phase disrupts daily life
During the building works, Bahnhofstrasse will remain closed to pedestrians in the area of the building site. Diversions will be via Gerliswilstrasse. This is significant for the site because the development is taking place in the heart of a heavily frequented station area, meaning the construction site is not only a building project but also has an impact on local access.

SNBS-Areal as a benchmark
Construction is being carried out in accordance with the SNBS-Areal sustainability standard. For professional market players, this is more than just a label. In the context of the development, the standard covers not only energy issues but also open space, land use, mobility and social quality. Completion of the entire development is scheduled for spring 2030.