Where the NZZ once printed its newspapers, a vibrant innovation and knowledge campus has now been created. JED combines industrial history with modern architecture and offers space for large companies, start-ups, research, sport - and lasting events.
Albert Schweizer, long-standing location promoter for the city of Schlieren, has been familiar with the development of the site from the very beginning. In this interview, he talks about the role of JED in urban development, the challenges and opportunities in the Limmat Valley - and why places like JED are crucial when it comes to more than just space, but impact.
Mr. Schweizer, you have been involved in the transformation of Schlieren for over 25 years - what highlights have been close to your heart over the years - and how often have you had to reinvent yourself in the process?
The biggest and most important highlight was the introduction of a "business development" contact point in 1999 as one of the first cities in the canton of Zurich - with the exception of Zurich and Winterthur. I have been in charge of this office ever since. Other highlights were the establishment of national headquarters in Schlieren, such as Sony, Mercedes-Benz Schweiz AG, Fiat Switzerland, Roche, Heiq and VirtaMed. The establishment of Porsche Zurich was also a highlight for me, even though the head office is not in Schlieren. I never really had to reinvent myself.
What was the city's most courageous decision in the last two decades - and how much courage is still needed today?
The decision to rezone the industrial zone north of the train station into the residential zone "am Rietpark" was a courageous one. After all, living space is also needed alongside jobs. Today, however, many things are strictly normative. I would like to see a little more courage at all levels again.
Which factors have contributed most to the success of the location?
The fact that Schlieren is not just a place to work, but also a place to live, has improved Schlieren's image considerably and was and still is a huge success for the location. The fact that well-known investors such as Swiss Prime Site are invested in Schlieren, for example in the JED, also has a positive effect.
The JED Campus is considered by many to be the centerpiece of the urban transformation. How do you see its role from an urban development perspective?
The JED Campus is another milestone in urban development. A nucleus in terms of architecture, building technology and innovative use has been created on the site of the old wagon factory. The JED Campus fits perfectly into the entire JED cosmos with JED Events and the companies Zühlke and Halter. We at the city are amazed that FlexOffice and SuperLab Suisse have created such high-quality and innovative workplaces in the JED Campus. A great development!
JED Events attracts international brands and creative minds - does this also benefit the surrounding neighborhoods? Is there a conscious strategy on the part of the city to support such "urban platforms" - or does this remain private expertise?
JED Events is already part of the city of Schlieren, just like Mercedes, Sony and other well-known brands. JED Events brings international and national events such as Swiss Ski and even Federal Councillors to Schlieren like no other venue in our city. We support JED Events to the best of our ability - wherever and whenever!
What would you like to see from the operators of JED Events - in terms of a real alliance?
We can't make wishes, but we can offer ideas! To shorten the physical distance between the Stadthaus and the JED, we need periodic exchanges, city events at the JED and possibly an evening restaurant one day.
How relevant is the event business for a city like Schlieren - economically, socially, communicatively?
The event business is relevant in all respects: It creates jobs, the name Schlieren is perceived positively and suppliers from the region can benefit - even the flower supplier from Schlieren!
Can a single good event do more for the city brand than a municipal campaign? Do you have any examples?
There is no one event that stands out above all others. Every event, no matter how big or small, is very welcome from the city's point of view. One highlight will be the annual concert of the Musikverein Harmonie Schlieren in the large JED Halle, for the first time and hopefully not for the last time.
What do you think it takes for event organizers to see the city not just as a venue, but as a partner - and would it be conceivable for Schlieren to co-curate or co-sponsor events itself in the future?
I think it takes time and perseverance for JED Events. Many organizers already appreciate the location and JED Events. I consider it unlikely that the city itself will act as curator. However, we could get involved in large events within the framework of our two top clusters Biotech and Medtech. What is also needed are meetings between Schlieren's event venue providers such as startup space, Salmen and JED Events.
What added value do you see specifically for event planners - what are the top arguments in favor of Schlieren as an event venue?
The ideal public transport connections, the business location with its 1,380 companies, the startup, biotech and medtech scene and the historic location of the JED per se speak in favor of Schlieren as a top event location.
Schlieren has been labeled "urban but unsexy" - how do you deal with this external perception and how strongly do such narratives influence the city's image?
We have already lost the narrative of "urban but unsexy"! The quality of arrivals at Schlieren station has improved massively thanks to the new pedestrian zone that was inaugurated this summer. Gone are the days of unsightly underpasses and faulty lifts at the station. Now we need to develop and implement advertising messages with targeted city marketing - also together with JED Events.
How important is it for a place like Schlieren to be proud of itself - beyond pure statistics?
It is extremely important that both the "original Schlieren residents" and newcomers feel at home in the town. The schools and an agile city administration can and must contribute to this.
What role will places like the JED Campus play in a future vision of 2035 - as an event location, as a cluster, as a meeting place?
Areas such as JED Campus, amRietpark, Schlieren NORD OST and others will play an increasingly important role in the "Future Vision 2035" - whether as a workplace area, an event location or a residential area. The JED Campus plays a key role in the biotech cluster on the Wagi site alongside the medtech cluster in Schlieren NORD OST. The two areas are to be connected by a railroad underpass for bicycles and pedestrians by around 2030. By this time, the JED Campus will also be connected to the cycle path.
And finally: If you were allowed to curate a festival for the city today - what would it be about?
We already curate the 10-day Schlierefäscht festival in the city center every four years. The JED Campus and JED Events should definitely not be missing from the next event in 2027! Conclusion: JED already has a big name. This can and must be constantly developed further. The city of Schlieren's location promotion will make its contribution.
