Zurich: Stadium project wins in court
An appeal against the private design plan for the large-scale project in Zurich-West has failed before the administrative court. A building application could be submitted as early as the 2nd quarter.
The Administrative Court of the Canton of Zurich has dismissed the appeal lodged by opponents of the "Ensemble" private design plan in its entirety. The plan envisages the construction of a new football stadium and several hundred apartments and commercial buildings on the Hardturm site in Zurich West. The people of Zurich have already clearly approved the project twice. Like the building appeal court more than two years ago, the second instance has now also confirmed that the private design plan is legal. The plan envisages the construction of a new football stadium, several hundred apartments and commercial premises with a variety of uses on the Hardturm site. The canton of Zurich had already examined and approved the design plan, but its entry into force has so far been prevented by legal proceedings.
Planning application in the first half of 2026?
Those responsible for the project are appealing to opponents to give up their legal resistance now. "A further appeal to the Federal Supreme Court would be completely incomprehensible in view of the clear ruling by the Administrative Court," says a spokesperson for the project team. According to the consortium behind the project, a building application could be submitted to the relevant authorities as early as the second quarter of 2026. Realization is expected to take around two years. The two residential towers with commercial use on the first floors and the ABZ development would be realized somewhat later. The project, which is also supported by the municipal council and the government of the city of Zurich, is being financed entirely privately. The two football clubs FC Zurich and GC Zurich, HRS, Allgemeine Baugenossenschaft Zurich, Stadionzüri AG and several UBS investment vehicles are involved.
