The Koch-Quartier: Over 300 new cooperative apartments starting in 2026

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Between Altstetten and Albisrieden, a new neighborhood with about 360 cooperative apartments for over 900 people will be created by 2026. But much more than just housing is being built: the site will also host a large park as well as commercial uses, providing an ideal space for living, working, and leisure. Here we present the project in more detail.

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From the City of Zürich to the cooperatives

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Construction site on the Koch-Areal in Zürich — Things are moving forward on the Koch-Areal.

In 2013, the City of Zürich bought the approximately 30,000 m2 Koch-Areal from UBS AG for 70 million francs, which corresponds to a market-rate price. Affordable apartments were to be built on the site, which is located in the Letzi area. This is in line with the regional and municipal master plan for the City of Zürich, according to which this district will continue to grow significantly in the future. In 2017, Allgemeine Baugenossenschaft Zürich (ABZ) and the Bau- und Wohngenossenschaft Kraftwerk 1 (KW1) were awarded the contract to build the apartments. In addition, the real estate developer Senn Resources AG is permitted to realize a commercial building. Grün Stadt Zürich is responsible for the large neighborhood park.

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ABZ’s apartments

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On the Koch-Quartier, ABZ is constructing two buildings: a linear block with 40 apartments and a high-rise with no fewer than 164 apartments. The range spans from 2- to 5.5-room apartments, with more small than large units planned. This matches current demand in the City of Zürich. Because the cooperative seeks a proportionate use of living space, occupancy rules apply. The number of rooms (rounded down) minus one equals the minimum number of people who should live in an apartment. For a 3-room apartment, an occupancy of 2 people is required; for 4.5 rooms, it’s at least 3 people. Letting is scheduled for fall 2025, with the units in the linear block advertised first, followed by those in the high-rise. Note that ABZ members will be given priority when units are let. Unfortunately, the only way to become a member is by renting an apartment. This means: anyone not currently renting with ABZ would basically have to move into another ABZ apartment first to be at the front of the line at the Koch-Quartier. That is, of course, difficult. But don’t worry: we assume that a large portion of the apartments will be publicly advertised.

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Kraftwerk 1’s apartments

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In total, the Bau- und Wohngenossenschaft Kraftwerk 1 is creating around 125 apartments on the Koch-Areal. The mix is broad and includes everything from studios and family apartments to large cluster apartments. Shell/atelier units, where you design the interior fit-out yourself, are also planned. As with ABZ, occupancy rules apply to these apartments too. They may even be stricter than at ABZ. For some apartments, they will likely aim for number of rooms = number of people. It’s important to keep this in mind when applying! Anyone who applies for an apartment that’s too large will be screened out immediately. That was handled very clearly in the Langgrüt project by GBL as well. Letting of the apartments starts for “standard” apartments about one year before move-in (i.e., sometime in 2025), and even earlier for more specialized types. Note that the apartments are advertised only among KW1 members. So if you want any chance at all, you must become part of the cooperative by December 2024 and also pay a contribution of CHF 550. You can find the exact instructions on the cooperative’s website. At the moment, about 3,100 people are KW1 members, and only about 500 of them live in one of its settlements. The chances of getting an apartment in the Koch-Quartier are therefore rather low. However, they naturally drop to zero if you are not a member at all. When you leave the cooperative, CHF 500 of the contribution you paid will be refunded (50 francs is the processing fee). So you might consider whether you want to take part in this apartment lottery for 50 francs. You can find information on membership here.

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A place for makers

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Not only apartments are being built on the Koch-Quartier! An attractive commercial building and a 12,000m2 park are also being constructed. The commercial building named ‘MACH’, slated for occupancy in 2026, is intended to be a productive place for makers. It aims to promote urban production and appeal to companies that identify with the City of Zürich. The building is to accommodate a wide range of activities including design, prototyping, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and service. Commercial spaces are still available; if you’re interested, you can fill out the form on the website.

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The future heart of the neighborhood: the Koch-Park

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In the center of the new neighborhood, a 12,000m2 park realized by Grün Stadt Zürich is being created. Planned are both an open meadow with trees and a more natural, wild area and—serving as a covered open space—the former coal storage hall. We are sure the park will greatly enhance the neighborhood and also foster neighborly interactions.

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Don’t miss any info with our search subscription

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For many new-build projects (Buchwiesen, Langgrüt, Tokeh), our subscribers were right at the front of the line. This is because we inform you immediately whenever a cooperative starts letting. We’ll also keep a very close eye on the Koch-Quartier and send an email right away when letting is announced. Subscribe today so you don’t miss any cooperative apartments in Zürich!

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