The Malley-Gare district, a 256-million-franc development project located on the border of Prilly and Renens, was officially inaugurated on Friday. Led by CFF Immobilier, the site features two towers of 24 and 19 stories, nearly 200 residential units, and commercial spaces. This project serves as the first major component of the broader Malley-Centre initiative, which aims to revitalize former industrial land in the western Lausanne area.
Did You Know? The development followed a chronological reversal: the railway station serving the site was put into operation in 2012, well before the construction of the surrounding residential and commercial buildings.
Development timeline and infrastructure
The project is designed as a multimodal hub, integrating RER train lines, metro services, bus lines, and a future tramway connection. According to Jean-Philippe Schmidt, a spokesperson for the CFF, this approach is unconventional because the transit infrastructure was established years before the housing was built. This connectivity is intended to support the projected growth of the Malley-Centre, which is expected to accommodate between 4,000 and 5,000 additional residents and employees by 2030.
Public response and current challenges
The initiative gained momentum through local support, with 58% of Prilly residents voting in favor of the project. Syndic Alain Gilliéron noted that the public debate surrounding the towers was active long before the structures were completed. Despite the official opening, some residents of the Central Malley sector have reported issues with building finishes and functional defects. While the CFF has acknowledged these difficulties, the company maintains that the majority of these concerns have already been resolved.
Expert Insight: The Malley-Gare project highlights a shift toward transit-oriented development in the Lausanne region. By prioritizing rail and tram access before residential construction, planners are attempting to mitigate the traffic pressures typically associated with densification. The success of this model will likely be measured by how well the infrastructure handles the influx of 5,000 new inhabitants and workers as the remaining projects, such as the Tilia Tower, come online.
What happens next
The completion of Malley-Gare marks only the beginning of the transformation for the Malley-Centre area. Future phases include the Malley-Gazomètre and Malley-Viaduc projects, the latter of which will feature the 85-meter Tilia Tower. These developments are scheduled to continue through 2030, likely increasing the density and commercial footprint of the district significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of the Malley-Gare project?
The project represents a total investment of 256 million francs, according to the CFF.
How many people are expected to live and work in the total Malley-Centre area?
The entire Malley-Centre project is projected to host between 4,000 and 5,000 new residents and employees by the year 2030.
Have there been complaints regarding the new housing?
Yes, some tenants at Central Malley have reported defects in finishes and operational malfunctions, though the CFF states that most of these issues have been addressed.
How do you view the impact of high-density, transit-focused housing on the character of the western Lausanne region?
