The canton of Neuchâtel is setting a new milestone to remain a successful and attractive hub for innovation. The next phase of construction for the Microcity innovation district is expected to begin after summer break. The building, which has been in the planning stages since 2010 on the site at 7 Rue Jaquet-Droz, will provide additional space, particularly for the CSEM and EPFL, as well as to house R&D centers and units for partner companies and startups within the innovation hub. Occupancy is scheduled for 2025–2026.
Over the past few decades—and particularly in recent years—the canton of Neuchâtel has made a name for itself as a cradle of innovation thanks to a clear strategy and a significant commitment. The Maladière and Mail neighborhoods, as well as the area around the train station, have undergone targeted redevelopment. These include renovations or new constructions of buildings at EPFL (71 Rue de la Maladière), CPLN, and CSEM (1 Rue Jaquet-Droz; 83 Rue de la Maladière), as well as the ongoing Unihub project. The next step is to launch the planned project for the building at 7 Rue Jaquet-Droz.
The Canton of Neuchâtel has owned JD7 since 2020
The canton of Neuchâtel negotiated with the federal government for several years. In 2020, an agreement was reached for the canton to take over the former building—which had been vacant for several years—as well as the corresponding property. This new development marks the beginning of the next phase in the development of the Microcity innovation district. The planned building, temporarily referred to as Building JD7, will offer even more space for research and development, with the goal of serving as a showcase for the innovation ecosystem and a stimulating venue for meetings and exchanges. The Canton of Neuchâtel will thus be able to fulfill its mission even more effectively within Swiss Innovation, of which it is an integral part of the Western Switzerland cluster. The national objective of Swiss Innovation is to foster collaboration among companies, startups, and academia to find solutions to some of the most significant challenges of our time.
10,000 m² of space for innovation
In accordance with the existing neighborhood plan, more than 10,000 m² of new gross floor area will be created. The general design of the building is currently being developed. It will house office spaces, laboratories (gray and/or clean rooms), technical facilities, as well as common areas for meetings and gatherings, collaboration and celebrations, and dining and cafeteria facilities. The future users will primarily be the CSEM and EPFL, but will also include R&D centers and units from companies, startups, and other stakeholders in the innovation hub. Thanks to the new building, CSEM activities currently spread across various small off-site locations will be consolidated within the strategic innovation district itself. The new building will be constructed in strict compliance with the neighborhood plan, preserving the character of the existing neighborhood, notably with flat and green roofs, open shared outdoor spaces, and abundant vegetation and tree planting.
The move is scheduled for 2025–2026
The Canton of Neuchâtel has appointed Silatech SA as the project owner. Silatech is currently planning the demolition of the old building, which is expected to begin shortly and be completed in early 2023. Following a restricted bid process, the company VonArx SA in Peseux was selected to carry out this work. For the future building, the project owner—assisted by specialized external consultants—and the various stakeholders are currently finalizing the specifications. As part of an upcoming restricted bidding process, the contract will then be awarded to the general contractor that best meets the requirements of the specifications, with the goal of opening the facility in 2025–2026.
Local residents are not being forgotten
An informational evening for local residents, neighborhood associations, and Neuchâtel residents interested in the project will take place on June 27, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Microcity building, located at 71b Rue de la Maladière.