Zurich: Former Manor department store becomes "Swiss Life Brannhof
The properties at Bahnhofstrasse 75 and 79 in Zurich, which are currently being converted, will be marketed under the name "Swiss Life Brannhof" in future. This was announced by the owner and developer.
"The new name refers to the building's historical heritage," said Giorgio Engeli, Head of Real Estate Portfolio Management at Swiss Life Asset Managers, during a tour of the construction site. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse has developed into one of the world's most renowned strolling, business and shopping addresses. Julius Brann was one of the pioneers of this era, who created an architecturally defining building in 1912 with today's property on the lower Bahnhofstrasse and helped shape the further development of the entire street with his department store. "This historical legacy serves as inspiration for the Swiss Life Brannhof, which takes the pioneering spirit from the founding era with it into the present and the future of Bahnhofstrasse Zurich," says Engeli.
The redevelopment of the two properties at Bahnhofstrasse 75 (the former Manor department store) and 79 will now typify the light and inner courtyards that once existed, said construction project manager Christoph Kling. Across the three lower levels (basement, ground floor as well as first floor), there will be around 4,600 sqm of new, flexibly usable retail space. From the second floor upwards, around 5,600 sqm of modern office space will be created in a central location in Zurich's city centre.
Swiss Life is investing a total of over CHF 100 million in the renovation and revitalisation of the two historic properties. The construction period is estimated at three years. The handover of the new space to the tenants is expected to take place from autumn 2023. Shop openings should thus be possible before the end of the year. CBRE Switzerland was awarded the exclusive marketing contract for the office and retail space in mid-2020. The ensemble will be renovated in accordance with the latest standards and certified with the DGNB Silver sustainability label upon completion, Engeli added. B+P Baurealisation AG is responsible for the construction and overall management of the major renovation project. (mr)
