Client
Canton of Bern
Location
Burgdorf, Switzerland
Zeughausareal Burgdorf
The Zeughausareal Burgdorf project was Switzerland's first PPP - a landmark that combined a modern 110-bed prison with an administration centre housing 19 cantonal agencies and approximately 450 workplaces. Completed in 2012 and certified to the highest Swiss energy standard, it remains one of Invesis's most distinctive projects and a model for sustainable public infrastructure in Switzerland.
Financial Close
November 2009
Construction Period
2010 - 2012
Concession Period
25 years
Handback
2037
Client
Canton of Bern
Location
Burgdorf, Switzerland
Sponsor/Investor
Invesis and Expan AG
Consortium
Zeughaus PPP AG
Engineering Procurement and Construction
ZECH Hochbau AG (formerly BAM Deutschland AG) / Marti Generalunternehmung AG
Operations and Maintenance
Hälg Facility Management AG
Capital Value
€84m
Partnering with the Canton of Bern to pioneer a new model for Swiss public infrastructure
The Canton of Bern needed to address two pressing challenges simultaneously - an ageing prison estate operating beyond capacity, and government offices spread across 14 separate locations, creating inefficiency and cost. The solution was ambitious: a single, integrated development that would bring 19 cantonal agencies together on one site while also providing a modern custodial facility.
In 2009, the Canton of Bern selected the Zeughaus PPP AG consortium - comprising Invesis (88%) and Swiss partner Marti (12%) - under a 25-year PPP contract. Construction was completed in March 2012 - on time, within budget and in a shorter timeframe than a conventional procurement would have achieved. The client anticipates cost savings of 5% over the project lifetime compared to a non-PPP approach.
The facility covers approximately 35,400m2 across a 26,800m2 site, housing a 110-bed prison, a street inspection office, an operations centre and an administration complex serving locations across the Burgdorf, Langnau, Aarwangen and Fraubrunnen areas.
Achieving Switzerland's highest energy standard through groundwater heat pumps and solar power
The Burgdorf project was designed and built to Minergie-P-ECO - Switzerland's highest standard for energy efficiency in buildings - a certification that required innovative thinking from the ground up.
Heating and cooling are provided by a groundwater-sourced ammonia heat pump, supplemented by a solar thermal system, keeping energy consumption exceptionally low across the facility. Self-closing fixtures are installed in all showers and sinks, reducing water consumption from the outset. LED lighting installed through a contractual amendment has reduced energy use for lighting by approximately 40% - from around 400,000 kWh to 240,000 kWh per year.
A solar panel installation of approximately 500kWp is currently being added to the rooftops, bringing locally generated renewable energy into the mix and further reducing the facility's reliance on grid electricity.
Consolidating public services, supporting communities and caring for the environment in Burgdorf
- By consolidating 19 cantonal agencies previously spread across 14 locations into a single, well-connected site, the project has significantly improved access to government services for residents across the Burgdorf region.
- Green areas cover 10% of the total site footprint, well above planning requirements, with native plants used throughout.
- Waste has been sorted and recycled from the very start of the project, and materials are procured on ecological principles including minimal packaging and multi-use over single-use.
- Recycled concrete was used during construction in accordance with Swiss norm SN EN 206, reducing demand for new materials.
- The FM subcontractor prioritises local small enterprises for subcontracting, with long-term contracts supporting the regional economy in and around Burgdorf.
- The new prison provides a modern, humane custodial environment - the most up-to-date facility in the canton - addressing longstanding overcrowding in the Canton of Bern's prison estate.
