FIABCI visit to the "Quartier de l'Étang" Geneva

(Author Mathias Rinka, specialist journalist, photos Vitali Bekker and Mathias Rinka)

A prestigious delegation from the real estate association FIABCI-SUISSE arrived in Geneva-Vernier in mid-September to inspect the construction site of what is currently probably the largest private real estate project in Europe as part of the "Case Story 2020". "The new "Quartier de l'Étang" in the immediate vicinity of Geneva's Cointrin Airport is an important development for the canton of Geneva and a perfect example of the dynamic development of international Geneva," said Thomas H. Henle, President of the Swiss chapter of the international real estate association FIABCI. The major project, located close to the "Blandonnet" streetcar stop on Route de Meyrin, had no fewer than 22 active construction cranes at the time of the visit. Apartments are being built for 2,500 residents as well as office and commercial space with jobs for just as many people.

There are also three hotels under the B&B, IntercityHotel and Adina brands as well as student apartments and various medical, social, cultural and public facilities. Geneva's urban quarter development will be complemented by a two-and-a-half hectare green open-air park. "This is a real city within the city, which is already visibly taking shape. Construction work began in 2017 and should be fully completed by 2023," said Anne-Marie Loeillet, CEO of the responsible development company PCM Opérateur Urbain SA, at the FIABCI event with around 45 participants from the Swiss and international circle of members and guests.

The entire construction project covers around 260,000 square meters, of which around 116,000 square meters are residential space and almost 129,000 square meters are commercial space. The urban redevelopment in the former working-class district of Geneva is taking place on a former industrial site covering 13.5 hectares. The mixed-use new 2,000-watt district is being realized in seven building plots or sections.

Narek Arakelyan, Secretary General of FIABCI International, who had traveled all the way from Paris, was also welcomed to the event. He highlighted the extremely positive development of FIABCI-SUISSE in recent months and years and referred to the coming year 2021, when the international real estate association will celebrate its 70th anniversary at its founding location in the French capital. He concluded with the important message: "I hope that we will soon be able to officially start organizing this mega event and I hope to see many Swiss members in person next year on the Seine!"

FIABCI-SUISSE President Thomas H. Henle emphasized that in times of pandemic and with the frequently changing hygiene requirements, such large meetings are not easy to plan, coordinate and carry out. He was all the more pleased about the successful meeting in the Geneva region. "The 'Case Story 2020' was another good opportunity for us to share experiences with each other in person and to see each other face to face (again)."

Note: A great video of the event was created by our sponsor immotrailer.ch!