"The Vitus site should become a place for collaboration and shaping the future"

The former Rieter site, now known as the Vitus site, is in the midst of an exciting transformation: Allreal wants to establish the former industrial site as a tech cluster and innovation campus. Thorsten Eberle, Head of Site Development at Allreal, explains the long-term vision for the site and the steps on the way to a dynamic, future-oriented location.

Who is behind Allreal & what is the company's field of activity?
Thorsten Eberle: Allreal is a leading Swiss real estate company with a portfolio of high-quality residential and commercial properties. We manage our properties ourselves, develop real estate projects for our portfolio or for sale and implement them with our in-house experts. We also realize construction projects for third parties as a total or general contractor. Our focus is on sustainable, high-quality properties that are built to last and contribute to urban development. In doing so, we rely on close cooperation with our partners and well thought-out concepts that are economically viable and sustainable. The Vitus site is a good example of this - a location that combines innovation, work and forward-looking developments - Future Grounds Winterthur.

Where does the name "Vitus" for the Vitus site come from?
The name "Vitus" goes back to the ancient Roman name for Winterthur, "Vitudurum". At the same time, the name "Vitus" contains the Latin word "Vita" - life. This reflects our vision of revitalizing the area with new impulses, making it attractive for companies, research, development and the neighbourhood. The Vitus site thus stands for a transformation that combines the past and the future in a sustainable concept.

What is the current status of the site development?
The project is currently in the planning and development phase. The strategic direction, the possible uses and the infrastructural foundations are currently being worked out intensively. Our focus is on the development of flexible commercial and work spaces that enable different uses and support the search for potential tenants. Aspects such as sustainable mobility, digitalization and long-term integration into the Winterthur-Töss district are also at the heart of the planning.

Thorsten Eberle is Head of Site Development for the Vitus site at the Allreal Group.

Was or are there any problems with monument protection?
Monument protection plays a role on the Vitus site. Individual parts of the building are protected. However, we are endeavoring to optimally integrate the existing buildings to be preserved into the future development and thus live up to our promise "Future needs origin" - in close cooperation with the relevant authorities.

How many workplaces can be accommodated on the site?
The Vitus site will offer space for several thousand workplaces. The flexible use of space means that both start-ups and established companies from a wide range of sectors can be accommodated. In addition to traditional office and commercial space, we are also planning co-working areas and innovation spaces that create synergies between tenants. The area should not just be a workplace, but a place for collaboration and shaping the future.

What is the strategy and vision for the site?
The Vitus site will be established in the long term as a tech cluster and innovation campus that brings together forward-looking companies and educational institutions. At the same time, as a potential educational location, it should promote the connection between business and education in Winterthur. In the short term , we will open up the site further and strengthen the connection to the neighboring city districts. As early as summer 2025, the Swiss Textile College will be present on the site and bring new life. In the medium term , an open, vibrant campus with a diverse mix of industries will be created. Companies from the fields of technology, innovation and education in particular will create jobs there. In the long term , the Vitus site will not only be a place of innovation, but also a supra-regional location for cooperation and sustainable development - an asset for Winterthur and the region.

How interested is the public in the site?
We are sensing a great deal of interest in the development of the Vitus site. Many people in Winterthur know the site from its former industrial use and want to know what is being created here. We attach great importance to developing the site not as an isolated commercial location, but as an open quarter that will enrich Winterthur-Töss in the long term. With permeable structures, attractive outdoor spaces and modern working environments, the site will be open to everyone as part of the city.

Do you have a sector focus for the future tenants or should this develop on its own?
The Vitus site is intended to be a versatile location that offers space for a wide range of companies. Our focus is on creating an attractive mix of tenants that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. At the same time, we are open to all sectors, as the site is designed to be flexible and suitable for different uses. Whether classic industry, creative offices, high-tech laboratories or gastronomy - the Vitus-Areal is intended to be a lively, dynamic Economic region that combines a wide variety of business models. Our aim is to create an inspiring environment in which companies of all sizes and from all sectors can develop their potential.

How can this be achieved together with House of Winterthur?
The collaboration with House of Winterthur is a valuable partnership for us in order to further develop the economic and strategic positioning of the Vitus-Areal. Through its networks, House of Winterthur can help to draw attention to the potential of the site and strengthen the perception of Winterthur as a location for innovation.

To the Vitus area