In the municipalities of Prilly and Renens, the Central Malley project’s foundation stone was laid today – a highly symbolic event that brought together all partners involved in the project. This was the perfect opportunity to ask Susanne Zenker, Head of Development and member of the Management Board for SBB Real Estate, some key questions.
How important is the Central Malley project in the Lausanne region?
In collaboration with the municipalities of Prilly and Renens, SBB Real Estate is transforming the rapidly evolving brownfield zone that stretches south from the Prilly-Malley station. By developing sites situated at the heart of mobility, the modal share for public transport will be increased. Future tenants in the area will therefore benefit from excellent connections to the centre of Lausanne, as well as to the urban centres of Bern and Geneva. The area is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, and various bus and tram connections will be directly accessible from there. This will offer a high level of mobility and comfort.
Like all areas developed by SBB Real Estate, Central Malley is set to become a district that sustainably combines work, leisure, housing, local stores and food services in the upcoming years. With all these strengths, the complex will be transformed into a lively neighbourhood and an important area in the Lausanne region.
What role does ‘Baukultur’ play in these projects?
Baukultur, or the quality of the built environment, is essential. Through its locations at the centre of cities and mobility, SBB Real Estate shapes the image and daily life of urban centres. Being aware of this responsibility, we must set a good example and ensure a high-quality Baukultur.
We want to contribute to the sustainable development of the living environment. On the one hand, by taking care of the existing buildings and the heritage of the built environment. On the other hand, by developing attractive and lively neighbourhoods near stations, thus creating added value for cities, municipalities and the population.
To achieve this, we develop stations and sites according to established processes and involve all the relevant stakeholders. With these standardised, six-step processes, we aim to create high-quality, diverse living spaces that are well accepted by the population. These spaces must meet the future demands of a constantly changing society, while also preserving the historical identity of the place. Participatory procedures, planning and architectural competitions, as well as continuous dialogue with municipalities, cities, cantons and authorities and the public are vital for the success of our projects.
How will the Central Malley project be sustainable?
To provide its users with a sustainable living and working environment, Central Malley is adopting an overall environmentally friendly approach. The aim is to significantly reduce the impact of construction and operation on the environment.
In a high-density area, SBB Real Estate is developing a mixed-use project, which aims for the energy self-sufficiency of its buildings. The complex will be awarded the Minergie P-ECO and 2000-Watt Site labels. For SBB Real Estate, these sustainability labels are a recognition of the efforts made to implement a project characterised by maximum energy efficiency and a high level of comfort, while also minimising the environmental impact of the construction and operation of the project.
