Who is responsible for maintaining the quality of the place?

The Attisholz site, east of Solothurn, was used to produce cellulose on a large scale for about 130 years starting in 1891. Ever since the industrial use ended, the construction and real estate company Halter AG, in collaboration with the Municipality of Riedholz and the Canton of Solothurn, has been planning the transformation of the property. Over the next twenty to thirty years, residential, commercial and cultural buildings will be constructed here for future generations. Interim tenants are already bringing a small part of the site to life, while the future is being developed in stages on the basis of illustrative site plans.

Does the place adapt while at the same time preserving its built heritage?

The industrial past has bequeathed a diverse composition of many attractive buildings and exciting open spaces right on the bank of the Aare. As an industrial monument, the disused site is impressive both for its vast scale and for the size and solidity of its buildings. The conversion and further development of these facilities will strengthen the existing identity and ensure that the rich history of the Attisholz site continues to be experienced in the future.

Is the place free of contamination and pollutants?

Until 1975, the cellulose factory discharged mercury-laced effluent into the Aare river, contaminating sediments some 200 metres downstream. Since then, the river has been cleaned of pollution, a 600-metre-long sheet pile wall that was once needed for water extraction has been removed, and the embankment has been replanted with trees. Today, the banks of the Aare in this section have been restored to their natural state. Further remediation of contamination on the site is planned.

Is the place economically viable in the long view?

The 170,000-square-metre site will be developed in stages, eventually providing 500 jobs and 1,200 dwellings. In addition to public boulevards, promenades and squares, the plans include traffic routes, community buildings and a school, as well as public utility infrastructure. It seems highly likely that this beautifully situated and sprawling former industrial site will prove to be profitable.

Does the place bring different people together?

Already today, adults and children from the region meet here at concerts, in the bar, on an unconventional playground or even to legally spray graffiti. By 2045, the Attisholz site will have become a new, independent and vibrant part of the municipality of Riedholz. Different functions such as living, working, shopping, dining, culture and education will be open to all population groups with different needs in different phases of life.

Was the place thoroughly analysed prior to the intervention?

In 2021, the cantonal government of Solothurn approved the land use plan for the Attisholz site. This approval was preceded by a preliminary assessment, a formal participation process and public disclosure of the land use plan. A study commission enabled the selection of a team to design the open spaces, and an architectural competition was held to select another team for the buildings of the first phase of implementation.

Is the place notable for its distinctiveness?

The conversion project is striking in its sheer size, its seclusion and its intimate connection with nature. The site is located directly on the water and is surrounded by woodland. An additional attraction in the immediate vicinity is Uferpark Attisholz, a waterfront park on the opposite bank of the river.

Does the place’s beauty contribute to people’s well-being?

Today, the disused site appears rough, imposing and industrial. The raw charm of the historic site is immense. The interim use, characterised by temporary installations and improvisation, currently also contributes to this impression. It is hoped that this raw beauty will be preserved over the coming decades, despite the transformation.