How our future headquarters will shape the local economy

The other upheaval for Bellevue will take shape on a neighbouring plot of land in early 2024, with the inauguration of Lombard Odier’s new headquarters. The office will bring together almost all employees currently based across the large private bank’s six Geneva sites, "that is to say 1,700 to 1,900 people initially," estimates Patrick Odier, Senior Managing Partner of the Group. This "uncluttered, bright and sustainable" building will have nine floors (three of which will be underground) housing offices, a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bicycle repair shop.

Designed by the prestigious architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the building, with a cost close to CHF 300 million according to Bilan magazine, represents the bank's biggest investment in its 225-year history. It will accommodate up to 2,600 workstations.

"In 2026, when these various construction projects are completed, our resident population will increase by around 50%," predicts the energetic Bernard Taschini. Bellevue’s Mayor is delighted with this fiscal windfall.

The taxes on profits paid by Lombard Odier will be partially redistributed to the village and will represent a significant contribution. "This arrival will be reflected fiscally from 2025," says a delighted Bernard Taschini. “In the end, the municipal budget could increase from CHF 13 million to around CHF 20 million.”

The elected representative is pleased with the planned opening of new shops in Bellevue. The ground floor of the first of these two apartment blocks will have 650m² of retail space, enough to accommodate three stores. "We have established contacts to set up a supermarket, a restaurant, a pharmacy or a dental practice. Our aim is to create a sense of community," explains Arnaud Hubmann, project manager at Comptoir Immobilier, the company responsible for the marketing of the business premises, as well as the rental and management of the new housing.

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The twenty or so existing establishments in Bellevue could also see their activity boosted by the new arrivals, and the Mayor has already noted a "diversification of services in many of the village's shops." The future "greenway" linking Versoix to Geneva along the SBB line, should contribute to the attractiveness of the site in particular.

The Bike Sold chain, with its four shops (including one in Bellevue), 19 employees and 2,000 bicycle sales per year, hopes to benefit from this. "We would like to attract some of this clientele, especially as Lombard Odier wants to promote cycling," explains Alexandre Tétaz, Managing Partner. The prestigious La Réserve Hotel with its restaurants and spa, located just opposite Lombard Odier's headquarters, can expect to benefit from additional clients, as can the local country club, which attracts a wealthy clientele.

Damien Ryckebusch and Thierry Marcante, the managers of Espace Santé, a fitness centre with medical services located five minutes from the construction site, are convinced that their establishment will be able to attract these newcomers. They are already prepared; "when we were forced to close due to Covid, we completely renovated our premises," explain the managers of the 30-employee small business, which has 1,300 customers. “We have also expanded our courses and opening hours, and intend to introduce new rates for companies.”

This document is issued by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd or an entity of the Group (hereinafter “Lombard Odier”). It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a document. This document was not prepared by the Financial Research Department of Lombard Odier.

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