The new Lokstadt: urban, versatile, steeped in history
Where locomotives were once built, a new, innovative and sustainable urban quarter is being created. Lokstadt combines the 19th with the 21st century: The industrial heritage of this district is prudently combined with modernity.
With Lokstadt, Implenia is developing a new, urban and versatile quarter with 750 flats for around 1500 people. Lokstadt is located to the south-east of Winterthur railway station. The area used to be home to the workshops of the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Factory (SLM) – the most important locomotive forge in Switzerland. The neighbouring Sulzer factory took over SLM in the 1960s.
Some of the locomotives produced by SLM serve as namesakes for the various construction fields. For example, the “Tender”: condominiums were built here, which are ready for occupancy since the beginning of 2023, as well as commercial space. The flats of the 17 “townhouses” were also for sale: these are four- to five-storey maisonettes that have already been completed. In a second construction phase, six four-storey “townhouses” were built: these comprise a total of 24 flats and will be ready for occupancy in spring 2023. The “Elefant” office building, which is located directly on Zürcherstrasse, will also be ready for occupancy soon.
The central dialogue square will be framed by three buildings in the future. The first is the “Krokodil”, a wooden building. Here, 254 flats have been created to meet the diverse living needs of three cooperatives as well as individual homeowners. Vertical window bands are reminiscent of the former industrial halls and give the building a clear structure. BIGBOY” is located at the front of Dialogplatz:
The building, which is over 50 metres high and 16 storeys high, is home to 125 rental flats as well as five office and commercial spaces between 55 and 370 square metres. 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 will be ready for occupancy in summer 2023. The third building is still under development and is currently the tallest planned wooden high-rise in the world: “Rocket”, developed and realised on behalf of Ina Invest, will be 100 metres high and with 32 storeys will be the landmark of the new district and the Winterthur skyline. The plan is for 255 flats. In addition, non-profit flats are planned in the “Tigerli” base building. A hotel is also planned. The occupancy date is planned for 2027.
Lokstadt stands for the sustainable use of resources, a prudently planned variety of uses and the innovative revitalisation of listed buildings. These include the former factory buildings. Under Implenia’s leadership, these are being transformed into spaces for experience that reflect local history and modern city life. The quarter is being developed step by step in accordance with the requirements of the 2000-watt society. Despite the dense construction, importance is attached to sufficient open spaces and a high quality of stay. The area will be made accessible to motorised traffic by means of an underground car park spanning all the buildings. Above ground, pedestrians and cyclists have priority thanks to a generously designed pedestrian zone.
With Lokstadt, Winterthur links the 19th century with the 21st century: Here, the city’s industrial history is brought together with Winterthur’s future as a residential, educational and service city. The quarter is being built for people who love city life and who care about sustainability. A Lokstadt app will serve as a communication and interaction channel for all tenants, owners and employees in the future.