Planning for the Isola site in Breitenbach becomes more concrete
The Steiner Investment Foundation wants to convert the former Isola industrial site in Breitenbach into a neighborhood. What the development of the eleven-hectare site might look like has now been determined.
The 114,280 sqm Isola site near the village center of Breitenbach (SO) has been used for industrial purposes for more than 100 years, but recently more and more industrial and storage halls stood empty there. In the spring of 2021, the Steiner Investment Foundation took over the site in order to realize a development with residential, service and commercial uses in stages.
What the major project - the largest coherently planned development in the history of the municipality - is to look like has now been roughly defined in a partial mission statement.
The planners defined four areas of the site, each with different characteristics: The Isola-Werke area, located between Passwangstrasse and the Lüssel; the Isola-Valley area, which includes the Nexans building and borders directly on Büsserach; the Isola-Neumatt area, with building land between the Neumatt single-family home neighborhood and the Nexans building; and the Lüssel area, which includes the canalized Lüssel, including the west-side, undeveloped areas.
Up to 600 residential units are conceivable
In the Isola-Werke area, both residential and work uses are to be created, and areas for gastronomy, events and leisure are also planned. The apartments are intended to appeal to a broad population structure, and the retail areas will contribute in particular to the neighborhood's supply.
In the Isola-Neumatt area, the municipality and the investor are pursuing an offer of terraced houses and apartments in smaller apartment buildings. The Isola-Valley area, on the other hand, will be reserved for commercial and industrial uses, and the Lüssel area is to be revitalized and made accessible as a local recreation area.
According to the municipality of Breitenbach, up to 600 residential units are possible in the entire Isola area.
According to earlier information from Steiner AG, construction of the first stage, including the respective remediation of contaminated sites, is expected to begin in 2029. Individual conversion projects for old existing buildings could be brought forward. In addition, it is planned to allow various interim uses on the site during the planning phase. (ah)
