LUEGISLAND construction project on the Bundesplatz in Lucerne; Appeal filed with the Federal Supreme Court

24.08.2021 | Lucerne

News Luzern Bundesplatz Süd 20210824

HRS Real Estate AG has filed an appeal with the Federal Supreme Court against the decision of the Cantonal Court of 10 June 2021. After a thorough examination, expert lawyers have come to the conclusion that the decision of the cantonal court has significant flaws. Those responsible at HRS are confident that the Federal Supreme Court will correct the ruling of the Cantonal Court.

In June, the Cantonal Court of Lucerne had upheld an administrative appeal and overturned the approval of the design plan for the planned construction on the gravel car park at Bundesplatz. An examination of the judgement now shows that it has considerable flaws. HRS therefore feels compelled to file an appeal with the Federal Supreme Court.

Design plan of the highest quality: court ignores work of renowned experts

The preparation of the design plan by the developer was carried out with the utmost care. In a first step, a test planning was carried out and discussed with the municipal building commission. After that, the developer invited ten teams to participate in an architectural competition. The top-class jury consisted of several current and former city architects, architects, lecturers and professors, landscape architects, traffic planners and experts. In the last 15 years, no design plan of this quality has been drawn up in the city of Lucerne with the involvement of experts and the responsible committees of the city. The cantonal court did not take all this into account in its assessment. Instead, the court only criticised the structural densification at this location, which, incidentally, was expressly decided by the voters of the city of Lucerne.

Clear and valid grounds for appeal

Contrary to the reasoning of the Cantonal Court, the urban planning effects were comprehensively examined and assessed by the Lucerne City Council. Also, the volumes and footprints of the buildings are smaller than in the competition project. Those responsible at HRS are therefore very confident that the Federal Court will correct the ruling of the Cantonal Court.

The LUEGISLAND project: Optimally integrated into the neighbourhood

With the LUEGISLAND project, a residential and commercial building is being built in the city of Lucerne at a central location on Bundesplatz, from which the entire neighbourhood and the city will benefit. Approximately 125 flats, studios and offices, shopping facilities, restaurants and a public green area are planned.
In the legal sense, the building with its 32 or 35 metres is considered a high-rise. However, it is only slightly higher than the neighbouring buildings and blends in perfectly with the neighbourhood.
The residential and commercial building is being financed by HRS Investment AG in Frauenfeld and Mobiliar Asset Management AG. It will be realised by HRS Real Estate AG as total contractor. It was designed by a consortium of Steib & Geschwentner Architekten Zurich and tobler-gmür Architekten.