Co-operation to leverage the potential of the Silbern industrial estate
A new alliance is forming in the Silbern working area in Dietikon ZH. Under the title "Alliance Future Silbern", players from politics, business, infrastructure and nature conservation have committed themselves to a common goal. The aim is to transform the previously functional but underdeveloped urban area into a sustainable, easily accessible and ecologically responsible business and shopping centre.
Today, Silbern is an important location for production, trade and shopping and contributes significantly to the economic strength of the region. At the same time, the area has hardly developed at all over the years in terms of urban development and urban space and lags behind the potential of other business locations in the region. This is precisely where the new alliance comes in. It wants to initiate qualitative further development instead of merely managing the existing utilisation.
Integrative approach instead of individual interests
In the Silbern Future Alliance, IG Silbern, Limeco, BirdLife, the city of Dietikon and the canton of Zurich are working together in a long-term, collaborative framework. The approach is clear: the economy, mobility, environment and nature are planned and managed together. The aim is to recognise conflicting objectives at an early stage and to develop solutions in a coordinated and transparent manner based on interests.
Vision and charter as a binding framework
The result of a two-year mediation process led by Joris Van Wezemael is a common vision, supplemented by a binding charter. Both create orientation, define guidelines and strengthen reliability in the cooperation. This gives companies and landowners a framework within which they can actively shape development. With more planning security and clear expectations regarding the compatibility of economic, ecological and social concerns.
Sustainable economic and living space
The alliance sees itself as a long-term cooperation with a clear ambition. Silbern is to develop into a location that offers attractive framework conditions for companies, improves accessibility and at the same time strengthens natural and living spaces. Infrastructure is seen as key, as part of the solution, for example by converting waste materials into energy and new resources.
Common will as a success factor
The next step requires concrete projects and the sustained will of all those involved to share responsibility. Entrepreneurs, property owners, the public sector, infrastructure operators and nature conservation organisations have already developed a better understanding of each other and mutual respect in the dialogue to date. This basis of trust is crucial if the shared vision is to be realised and Silbern is to make the leap from an underestimated working area to a future-oriented economic and living space.