Wil plans its future

The town of Wil in the canton of St. Gallen is planning the biggest urban planning relaunch ever. On May 29, 2026, around 60 representatives from districts, businesses, the real estate sector, politics and administration gathered in the town hall for the fourth local planning conference. The eight-hour workshop was not a symbolic act, but a concrete work step with tangible results.

According to the town of Wil, the current local planning revision is pursuing three central objectives. Wil should grow inwards instead of sprawling further into the surrounding area. Creating more quality of life through green urban spaces and equipping new districts with clear rules for social mixing. “We want to plan densification, open space, mobility and social mix from a single source,” explains city councillor Manuel Nick. In future, those who build big should also invest back into the city, for example through non-profit housing.

Zoning plan, traffic, affordable housing
The fourth conference focused on the zoning plan with building regulations, the traffic structure plan and issues relating to affordable housing. Open space and the urban climate, green spaces, tree protection, streetscapes and the design of various usage zones were discussed. Outlined examples and expert input formed the basis for the discussions to remain concrete and not get bogged down in abstraction.

Now it’s the public’s turn
The focus is now shifting to two key areas. The Kindlimann site in the south of the city is being developed together with Areal Wil Zug AG and is set to become a sustainable, vibrant new part of the city. From June 4 to July 4, 2026, all residents can get involved in the Kindlimann and Allmend sites as part of an e-participation process. This is one of several participation stages that will allow the city to incorporate different perspectives into the planning process.

A process with a clear timetable
The local planning revision has been running since 2024 and must implement the new Federal Spatial Planning Act and the Cantonal Planning and Building Act. The next conference is scheduled for November 2026 and the city parliament will be kept informed of progress on an ongoing basis. The new local planning should be in place by 2027, a milestone for a city that wants to grow without losing itself in the process.