The executive campus HSG reaches its capacity limits during peak demand months. The premises are owned by the Max Schmidheiny Foundation for the benefit of the university and its institutes. In recent years, the foundation has acquired the properties Holzstrasse 9 / 11 / 11a, which are adjacent to the WBZ. The WBZ is to be expanded to include these additional properties.
While the current WBZ is located in the zone for public buildings and facilities, the properties designated for the expansion project are zoned as residential area W3. A zoning plan change is therefore necessary so that all affected properties are included in the zone for public buildings and facilities.
With an information event prior to the initiation of the procedure by the city council and before the public planning review, the City of St. Gallen launched the public participation process on February 19, 2025, in accordance with Article 34, paragraph 2 of the Planning and Building Act (PBG). Complementary to this information event, the following "Questions and Answers" provide information on key aspects of the zoning plan change.
Is the development necessary, and why is it planned here?
Continuing education is a fundamental part of the mission of the University of St. Gallen and a key pillar of its success model, generating significant financial and social value for St. Gallen and its residents. Many prospective continuing education participants would already like to study at the WBZ, but this is currently not possible due to capacity constraints. To professionally accommodate the increasing demand for continuing education programs, an expansion of space is necessary. Logically, this expansion should take place at the WBZ’s current location to keep distances short, maximize efficiency, and simplify mobility. The existing Rotmonten location is ideal and integrates well into the surrounding zone for public buildings and facilities.
What is planned? Who is responsible for the expansion?
The "Max Schmidheiny Foundation for the Benefit of the University of St. Gallen and Its Institutes" provided the land for the existing WBZ free of charge under a building rights agreement about 30 years ago. The foundation has now acquired adjacent land for consolidation and development in line with its purpose and will make this land available again for a purpose-aligned development. A new building will be constructed, which the University of St. Gallen (HSG) will use as a tenant for its continuing education activities. The Max Schmidheiny Foundation has committed the property to continuing education use. The question of who will be responsible for the construction is still open, as it depends on the financing model. However, it is already clear that HSG will be the tenant.
What specific development is planned?
To assess the options, the Max Schmidheiny Foundation commissioned an urban feasibility study and developed various scenarios, which were presented to the expert council of the City of St. Gallen. Following this, an architectural competition will be conducted in coordination with the city.
How did the expert council of the City of St. Gallen respond to the project?
The council responded positively to the development plans and recommended further work on scenarios 1 and 2. Based on the expert council's recommendation and in coordination with the city, the building height was set at 14 meters.
How can neighborhood residents stay informed about the project?
HSG values good neighborly relations. As with SQUARE, there will be information evenings for the local community to facilitate dialogue and address questions and concerns. The next information event will be held at the latest once the results of the architectural competition are available.
What impact will the rezoning from W3 to ZöBA have on the neighborhood?
The zone for public buildings and facilities (ZöBA) has fewer construction regulations due to the diverse types of buildings allowed in this zone. However, one key requirement is consideration for adjacent buildings. For this reason, a height restriction of 14 meters is being imposed, which corresponds to the allowable height in the W3 zone. Additionally, only uses that align with the zone’s purpose are permitted.
What impact will the rezoning have on property prices in the neighborhood?
Experience shows that property prices in areas near universities tend to develop positively. Rotmonten will remain a desirable neighborhood, and the expansion is expected to further enhance its attractiveness.
What noise disturbances and construction duration should the neighborhood expect?
A reliable answer to this question will only be possible once the results of the architectural competition and a more detailed project plan are available.
How much additional traffic is expected in the neighborhood due to the expansion?
The University of St. Gallen, including the WBZ, follows a mobility strategy that prioritizes public transportation. The WBZ is already well connected to public transit, which is another reason for expanding at the Holzweid location. The type and location of access for motorized private transport and logistics will be reviewed as part of the architectural competition. A significant increase in parking spaces is not planned, in line with HSG’s mobility strategy.
Will the new development cast shadows on neighboring buildings?
The current zoning regulations already allow buildings up to 14 meters in height. Since the planned development voluntarily adheres to this height limit, there will be no changes for neighbors in this regard.
What benefits does the neighborhood gain from the WBZ expansion?
Neighborhood needs will be considered through dialogue initiatives. HSG is already in discussions with representatives of the neighborhood association.
What other disadvantages or disturbances are expected?
The primary use of a continuing education facility occurs during daytime hours, with only occasional evening events. Therefore, it is expected that noise and light pollution in the evening and nighttime will remain minimal.
What financial burden does the planned expansion place on taxpayers?
Continuing education at HSG operates as a self-sustaining business unit and must at least break even financially. This means that HSG’s continuing education sector must cover all costs for operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the building itself. Therefore, the project places no financial burden on taxpayers. On the contrary, it is expected to generate positive regional economic effects.
Wouldn’t it be better to build a residential building in this desirable Rotmonten area?
That would not align with the foundation’s purpose.
How will the project be financed?
As part of an established process, the rezoning is proceeding in parallel with the financing clarification. However, it is already clear that this will be a privately financed project.
When is the building expected to be completed?
The architectural competition is planned for 2025/2026. The goal is to have the building operational between 2028 and 2030.