WCC and Implenia partner to develop the WCC’s plot in Grand-Saconnex including a new Ecumenical Centre
Dietlikon, 7 June 2012 – The World Council of Churches (WCC) signed a contract with Implenia for the development of its plot in Grand-Saconnex (Geneva), including a new Ecumenical Centre. The development of the site’s 34,000 square meters will take place in several phases over the next five to ten years. The process starts with a technical evaluation of the existing buildings followed by an architectural competition. The appointment of a winner is expected by mid-2013. The beginning of the construction work for the buildings comprising 50,000 to 60,000 square meters of floor space is planned for 2016/2017.
“We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership with Implenia who will support us over the whole process with its vast experience and know-how in the development of complex large-scale and sustainable urban projects. For the WCC, the project will offer new perspectives both for our role in international Geneva and for the furtherance of our programmes and activities,” said the Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC general secretary. In accordance with the Master Plan Area of Geneva’s “Jardin des Nations“, WCC and Implenia intend to maintain the natural character of the site by providing buildings of high environmental quality and by securing belted green spaces and promenades. "As the land owner, it is our obligation to meet a high level of sustainability by using scarce resources wisely and continuing to create value and exercise responsible stewardship for future generations”, says Tveit.
Implenia is going to support the WCC throughout the process from sustainable project development to the construction of all the buildings as total contractor. The contract represents another success in the thriving Geneva area for Implenia. The contractual relationship between the WCC and Implenia catering to the client’s needs is based on an open and informed partnership as well as on mutual trust. All decisions are to be taken unanimously by the Parties. Yves Perriraz, Head of Implenia’s development unit in Western Switzerland, emphasises: "We feel honoured that we have been selected as partner by the World Council of Churches and highly appreciate the level of trust that the WCC has placed in us."
Media contact Implenia:
Philipp Bircher
Head of Communications
Telephone: +41 44 805 45 23
Media contact WCC:
Mark Beach
Director of Communication
Telephone: +41 22 791 6018
meb@wcc-coe.org
Aerial photo of the Ecumenical Centre estate in Grand-Saconnex, which is going to be developed over the next five to ten years. The site extends to 34,000 square meters.
Implenia is Switzerland's leading construction and construction services company. Formed in 2006 from the merger between Zschokke and Batigroup, Implenia can look back on more than 140 years of history in the construction industry. The company brings the expertise of its highly skilled Real Estate, Infrastructure Construction and Industrial Construction divisions under the single roof of a nationally and internationally active company. With its integrated business model and specialists operating in all its divisions, Implenia can manage a building project through its entire lifecycle and deliver work that is economical, sustainable, integrated and customer-centric.
Implenia, with its headquarters in Dietlikon near Zurich, employs more than 6,000 people and posted turnover of more than CHF 2.5 billion in 2011. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (IMPN, CH0023868554). More information can be found at www.implenia.com.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 560 million Christians in over 110 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit from the Church of Norway.
With its headquarters in Geneva, and about 130 staff, the WCC reported CHF 29 million in income in 2011. The WCC is a registered association, recognised under Swiss law as an international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation. More information can be found at www.oikoumene.org.
