SF Urban Properties Ltd Cooperates with SENN for the Further Development of the Walzwerk Site

Since acquiring the Walzwerk site in the year 2017, SFUP has gradually transformed it into a versatile location for commercial, education, culture, gastronomy and leisure. Through targeted refurbishments and renovations, as well as active dialogue with existing and new tenants, vacancy rates have been kept low and property yields increased. Most recently, the implementation of a sustainable energy project marked an important step towards a future-oriented energy supply for the Walzwerk site. To date, the ‘Walzwerk’ has established itself as a meeting place known far beyond the municipality’s boundaries.

SFUP now intends to build on the progress made so far and drive forward the long-term development of the Walzwerk site. To this end, the planning requirements for future-oriented residential and commercial uses are to be established in the coming years. 

Against this background, SFUP will establish a new public limited company and enter into a partnership with SENN, an experienced, owner-managed property development group. As part of this partnership, SENN will assume two key roles: Senn Hold AG will become a minority shareholder in the newly established Walzwerk Holding Ltd, whilst Senn Resources AG will be responsible, at its own expense, for implementing the project development until legally binding planning permissions are obtained. With its many years’ experience in developing complex sites, its proven project expertise in the canton of Basel-Country and its in-depth knowledge of regional conditions, SENN brings valuable know-how to the joint further development of the Walzwerk site.

“With SENN, we are gaining an experienced partner on an equal footing, whose expertise in site development complements ours perfectly. Together, we aim to enhance the architectural qualities of the existing site and realise a vision for its further development,” says Bruno Kurz, CEO of SFUP.

Enhancing the existing buildings and unlocking long-term potential

The redesign of the Walzwerk site is guided by the principle of preserving and further developing the character of the existing site at its core. In the long term, the existing building stock is to be upgraded with a focus on quality through targeted refurbishments and structural additions. At the same time, the plan is to complete the site with new residential and commercial buildings to create a vibrant mixed-use development.

This development is a long-term project and will be carried out in stages. The initial focus will be on drawing up the necessary planning documentation. Discussions on this matter with the two local authorities, Münchenstein and Arlesheim, as well as the canton of Basel-Country, will commence shortly. Existing tenants are to be involved in the development process and kept regularly informed about the next steps.

“The Walzwerk brings together an established portfolio and long-term development opportunities. We want to build on the existing strengths and, together with SFUP, develop a viable vision for the entire site,” says Johannes Senn, Managing Director of Senn Resources AG.

The significance of the Walzwerk for SFUP

The Walzwerk combines an established commercial site in the Basel region with long-term development potential and offers the opportunity to create added value for its tenants, the neighbourhood and shareholders. The collaboration with SENN is an important step for the further development of the existing portfolio. With this move, the company is specifically strengthening its development expertise and laying the groundwork for implementing a shared vision for the Walzwerk site step by step and in partnership.