Vitis has to give way to apartments: Switzerland’s largest tennis center has been saved – but with restrictions

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Balls have been hitting at the Vitis racquet gym in Schlieren ZH for 45 years. The tennis center receives 130,000 visitors every year, making it one of the largest in Switzerland. 500 young people receive education here.

But at the end of October it’s all over: Vitis has to close permanently. When Blick first reported the impending closure at the beginning of the year, it caused a huge backlash. After all, Vitis is not an isolated case; More and more similar sports facilities are closing in Switzerland. “Unfortunately, but I’m a realist. The legal situation is clear: Ownership breaks the lease and rent,” says Kurt Locher (81), who has owned the Vitis sports facility for 25 years to Blick. The racquet sports facility now needs to make room for 350 new apartments.

The halls are empty when Blick comes to visit. The weather is extremely nice for October and people are going out. “And they are waiting for the new Vitis,” says Locher.

Because the end of the previous system has not come yet. Locher sees it as his moral obligation to further promote racquet sports in Limmattal. “Young people need a place to exercise,” he says.

After a long struggle with the authorities, Locher found a new, smaller property. Just 800 meters from the old halls. These will be demolished in November.

opening this year

New Vitis is almost complete; It is planned to open in December. Activities will be suspended for six weeks. The new racquet sports facility is more modern and brighter, but also smaller. There are currently seven tennis courts and six squash courts. Previously there were ten and eleven respectively.

There were also seven badminton courts earlier; These will be completely eliminated. “Unfortunately, there was no space for a separate badminton hall in the new Vitis,” explains Locher. However, four badminton courts will be installed in one of the seven tennis courts.

Despite the smaller space, will all existing players be able to take part in the new Vitis? According to Locher, almost everyone has booked a fixed place again. However: “All customer groups will need to book early. “The range of sports on offer is less than before.”

Fitness, cooling and photovoltaics

There is now a fitness and athletic area with a weight room. “Regular tournament players and ambitious youngsters can now train in-house,” says Locher. The area is open to everyone. A separate massage area will also be established, including physiotherapy services.

The noise barrier ensures guests can relax in the bistro even if squash balls are being crushed next door. New places can also be cooled during the summer months. A luxury compared to previous lounges.

Thanks to the 5,000 square meter photovoltaic system, the new racquet sports facility is almost self-sufficient in terms of energy. Cost of the new sports facility: between 8 and 9 million francs. However, the taxpayer has no burden. Locher is financing the project himself together with his partners.

Source :Blick