Residents will vote on the municipality’s contribution to the planning costs for a new sports and event hall at the upcoming Saanen municipal assembly. Sportzentrum Gstaad AG is the project developer. Here is an overview of the key facts ahead of the vote.

What is being planned?
Plans are currently underway to modernise the Gstaad Sports Centre. A core element of this project is the replacement of the ageing and outdated tennis hall with a new multi-purpose facility capable of hosting both sports and events. This development is closely linked to the proposed Gstaad Concert Hall, as the current site of the tennis hall and the festival tent is designated for the new concert venue. The new multi-purpose hall will be constructed directly adjacent to the existing curling hall (see visualisation above).

What will residents vote on at the municipal assembly?
At the assembly on April 4, the Saanen municipal council will present a proposal to increase the municipality’s contribution to the planning costs of the new sports and event hall. CHF 445,000 is currently within the council’s authority; this amount will be increased by CHF 3,885,000, raising the total to CHF 4,330,000. 

“This contribution is necessary to carry out detailed planning for the multi-purpose hall and its integration with the concert hall,” explains Cornelia Walker, Managing Director of Sportzentrum Gstaad AG, speaking on behalf of the developer. “If the proposal is rejected, the entire project will be off the table.” 

The upcoming vote is, therefore, a crucial first step before detailed planning and construction phases can begin. Walker emphasises that “the vote concerns only the planning costs—not the overall project budget.” A separate vote will be held later regarding the municipality’s contribution to construction costs. Importantly, the project can be halted at any stage if, for instance, insurmountable planning challenges arise or if the Rougemont project progresses without alignment between the two developments.

What steps have already been taken?
A volume study has confirmed that there is sufficient space within the sports centre site for the entire project. However, challenges remain, such as complying with watercourse distance regulations, rezoning, and creating a development plan. 

In October 2024, a project representative was appointed to assist Sportzentrum Gstaad AG with planning and execution and to coordinate the interfaces between the sports hall and concert hall developments. A temporary building commission composed of representatives from both developers and the municipality manages oversight and coordination of the two main construction projects (see the “Developer and Funding” section).

What is envisioned for the new multi-purpose hall?
While the current tennis hall is primarily used for tennis, the new facility will offer a wider variety of sporting options. In addition to three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts, one indoor and one outdoor padel court are under consideration. 

“This would introduce a new sport to the complex,” says Cornelia Walker. The four existing beach volleyball courts will remain, and a temporary court will be added during the annual beach volleyball tournament. A new group training room is also under consideration. 

“These are the preliminary plans,” says Walker. “They may still be modified or expanded. That’s why we need funding for detailed planning now.”

Why is the new hall multi-functional?
According to the developer, the most significant change is the hall’s versatile design. It will accommodate not only sports but also trade fairs, exhibitions, community events, and concerts. 
While events have taken place in the current tennis hall, the new facility will feature a stage, sound system, and lighting infrastructure. 

“These built-in features will simplify event management, lower costs for organisers, and accelerate venue conversions,” explains Walker. Local clubs and institutions will also be able to utilise the space. 

The concert hall, multi-purpose hall, and curling hall will connect at ground level, enabling them to be utilised separately or together for larger events.

What about parking?
Parking is not included in the sports centre's planning budget; it is part of the concert hall development and the municipality’s responsibilities. 

While the sports centre is not directly involved in the parking plan, it will benefit from the additional spaces. Currently, there are approximately 200 outdoor spaces. The new underground parking facility will add 200 covered spaces, while 80 outdoor spaces will remain, bringing the total to around 280.

What does the project aim to achieve?
The developers state that the goal is to provide more appealing facilities for locals, tourists, and individuals of all ages—especially the younger generation. 

The modernised centre will provide high-quality indoor leisure options and a refreshed gastronomy concept, potentially including a new sports pub. 

The modernised Gstaad Sports Centre and the new concert hall aim to benefit the entire population through modern sports infrastructure, versatile event spaces, and welcoming meeting places. The upcoming vote on the planning contribution is a key milestone in this process.

Can residents view the project model?
A 3D model of the project is on display at the reception of the Gstaad Sports Centre. Additional information, plans, and visualisations will soon be available on the centre’s website.

Who is the Developer, and how is it funded?

Sports and Event Hall (multi-purpose facility):
- Developer: Sportzentrum Gstaad AG
- Sportzentrum Gstaad AG is primarily responsible for financing. However, as public funds are involved, public procurement regulations apply.
- The municipality of Saanen is expected to contribute significantly to both planning and construction costs.

Concert Hall (Gstaad Concert Hall):
- Planning and execution: Gstaad Concert Hall Foundation
- Financing: Provided by the foundation and largely through private donations.

Parking Garage:
- Developer: Gstaad Concert Hall Foundation
- Financing: The foundation and the municipality of Saanen.

“Given the complexity of the project, careful planning is essential”

To advance detailed planning for the multi-purpose hall, the Saanen municipal council is requesting an increase in the planning contribution to CHF 4.33 million at the assembly on 4 April. The AvS spoke with Mayor Petra Schläppi about the project’s importance to the municipality.

Does the amount seem justified to you?
Yes, this is an ambitious flagship project that requires expert support. A reputable cost planner prepared a detailed budget based on the approved outline and preliminary cost estimate. 

It covers the fees for the general planning team, specialised consultants, and the overall project manager. Additional expert advisors will support the developers. 

Given the project’s complexity, thorough and forward-thinking planning is crucial. The funds being requested represent a sensible investment that lays the groundwork for successful implementation.

What value does this project bring to the Saanenland?
The new hall will be highly versatile and can be easily converted into an event venue. Due to its size and built-in technology, it is ideal for large events. 

Its connection to the neighbouring buildings will simplify management and marketing. It will be a weather-independent leisure facility for all—young and old, sporty or relaxed, local or guest—there will be something for everyone.

Was the municipality able to contribute its own ideas?
The municipality has actively participated in the site’s strategic and operational planning from the beginning. All stakeholders are strongly committed to ensuring the centre remains a hub for the local community. 

In response to public interest in nightlife options, the municipal council has commissioned an evaluation of a sports pub as part of the project. This would be a welcome addition and further energise the site.

A Meaningful Union of Sport and Culture

For Hans-Ueli Tschanz, member of the Gstaad Concert Hall Foundation board and the Gstaad Menuhin Festival’s board of directors, creating a new sports and cultural centre in Gstaad is a vital step toward the region’s future. 

The infrastructure is intended to benefit the Menuhin Festival, local tourism, and the community.

After 30 years of using a festival tent, Gstaad is planning to create a new, permanent sports and cultural hub. The project aims to unite sports and culture under one roof and become a cornerstone for regional development. 

Tschanz explains that the centre is “designed for everyone” to benefit both locals and guests. He argues that sport and culture are fundamental aspects of a fulfilling life and should not be separated or viewed as competing forces.

The chosen site is well established as a venue for both sporting and cultural events and has long been a community gathering place. 

The Gstaad Concert Hall Foundation will oversee the planning, funding, and construction of the concert venue.

The design is being led by the world-renowned architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. The new hall will meet the highest standards, particularly in acoustics. The number of seats will be reduced from 1,800 (in the current tent) to 1,200, prioritising quality over quantity.

In addition to the concert hall, there are plans for spacious foyer areas and two multipurpose rooms for tourism and community events. 

The Menuhin Festival currently generates approximately CHF 14 million each year for the local economy. The new venue is anticipated to enhance this impact further.

As the festival celebrates its 70th anniversary next year, it has pledged full support for the project and will become a key tenant of the new concert hall. 

“The future success of the Menuhin Festival depends greatly on whether we can take this vital step into a new infrastructural era,” Tschanz affirms.

Based on AvS | SWO