Office repurposing: co-warehousing and creative strategies for vacant properties
Repurposing empty offices for co-warehousing, urban farming and maker spaces. Concrete strategies for profitable property transformation.
The office real estate industry faces an unprecedented challenge. Millions of square meters of office space in Switzerland are vacant, while work habits have fundamentally changed. Remote work and hybrid models have drastically reduced the demand for traditional office spaces. What was once considered a prime office property often becomes a problem for owners and managers today.
However, crisis also means opportunity. Innovative repurposing strategies transform difficult-to-rent office spaces into sought-after spaces for entirely new uses. From flexible co-working concepts to urban logistics centers – the possibilities are more diverse than imagined.
This article outlines concrete strategies for property owners to successfully transform their vacant office spaces. You will learn which repurposing concepts work, which legal aspects need to be considered, and how you can increase the profitability of your property again.
The New Reality: Why Traditional Office Spaces Are No Longer in Demand
The Corona pandemic has massively accelerated an already existing trend. Companies today require up to 40% less office space than before 2020. At the same time, demands for flexibility and infrastructure are increasing. Open-plan offices with rigid structures no longer meet the current needs of tenants.
Office buildings from the 80s and 90s are particularly affected. Their floor plans, building technology, and energy standards often no longer meet today's requirements. Costly renovations would further burden profitability.
The consequence: High vacancy rates in many office property hotspots. Owners must rethink or risk long-term revenue losses.
Co-Warehousing: The Logistics Boom as an Opportunity for Office Properties
One of the most innovative repurposing strategies is co-warehousing. Former office spaces are converted into flexible storage facilities for e-commerce companies, start-ups, and local retailers.
Why Co-Warehousing Works
Online retail continues to boom. At the same time, suitable storage spaces are lacking in urban areas. Many companies are looking for small to medium-sized storage facilities (100-500m²) for short rental periods. Traditional logistics properties cannot meet this demand. Former office buildings offer ideal conditions here:
Central locations with good transport links
Existing infrastructure (electricity, internet, heating)
Flexible floor plans for different area sizes
Existing elevators and loading ramps (often retrofittable)
Implementation in Practice
Successful co-warehousing projects combine different uses on one floor. Smaller areas serve as storage, while larger areas become packing and shipping centers. Common areas with break rooms and meeting rooms complete the concept.
Further Creative Repurposing Strategies
Urban Farming and Vertical Agriculture
Vacant office spaces are excellently suited for indoor farming projects. Controlled lighting conditions, existing air conditioning systems, and stable ceiling loads enable the cultivation of vegetables, herbs, and microgreens. Especially in large cities, the demand for locally produced vegetables is growing.
Flexible Event and Training Rooms
The event industry is constantly looking for exceptional locations. Former office spaces can be cost-effectively transformed into versatile event venues. From corporate events to workshops and private parties – the possibilities are diverse.
The advantage: Minimal investment with maximum flexibility. Existing meeting rooms, kitchen areas, and sanitary facilities significantly reduce conversion costs.
Maker Spaces and Creative Workshops
Craftsmen, artists, and founders are looking for affordable workshop spaces in central locations. Former offices can be converted into communal workshops for various trades.
3D printers, woodworking shops, textile ateliers, and electronics labs find ideal conditions in open office landscapes. Shared spaces foster exchange and create synergies among users.
Legal Aspects and Approval Procedures
Repurposing usually requires a change in the use class under building law. While the conversion of office spaces to other commercial uses is often straightforward, additional requirements may arise for warehousing or production.
Key Checkpoints
Fire Protection: Storage use often requires different fire protection concepts
Noise Protection: Neighborhood compatibility for intensive commercial use
Parking Spaces: Logistics use usually requires more parking spaces and loading ramps
Load Capacity: Heavy storage racks require static load testing
An experienced architect or project manager can identify critical points and develop solutions already in the planning phase.
Overcoming Challenges
Not every repurposing project runs smoothly. Typical stumbling blocks include insufficient market analyses, underestimated conversion costs, or regulatory hurdles.
A thorough feasibility study, considering both technical and economic aspects, is crucial for success. Collaboration with specialized consultants and experienced project developers minimizes risks and optimizes results.
Embracing Change as an Opportunity
Vacant office properties are not an inevitable fate. Creative repurposing strategies like co-warehousing, urban farming, or maker spaces transform problem properties into profitable assets.
The key lies in early strategic realignment. Those who develop innovative usage concepts today position themselves for the post-pandemic working world and open up new sources of income.
Start with an honest analysis of your property: What structural conditions are present? Which target groups exist in the vicinity? Which repurposing suits the local market? The next few years will be crucial. Use the transformation as an opportunity to position your property for the future.