Papieri People

What is now taking shape as one of the region's most exciting gym concepts began in just 30 square metres in the basement of a detached house.

Right in the heart of the Papieri district, Citypilates has opened its second studio – a space to arrive, breathe, and simply be. Because at Citypilates, it’s about more than just working out. It’s about mindful connection – with your body, your breath – and maybe even the person on the mat next to you. 

In this edition of Papieri People, studio owner Romina Barandun and trainer Geeta La Roche invite you into the world of Pilates. At Citypilates, you’ll find not only group classes, but also personal training, duet sessions, and regular events like sound bowl meditations or barre classes with ballet-inspired elements. A rich and varied offering for anyone who loves movement and seeks depth in vibrant, soulful workouts.

In the heart of the Papieri district, a special place for the little ones has been created: The «Little Home» daycare center offers more than just childcare — it’s a space for community, growth, and security. For parents, it is a reliable partner that tailors its care to the individual needs of their children. For children, it’s a second home where they feel comfortable and make friends. The daycare’s concept is built on nurturing relationships, professional care, and close collaboration with parents. Managing Director Julie Andermatt and Daycare Manager Cornelia Bossard share insights into their passion project.

It smells like coffee and when you enter the Blossom Coffee House you are immediately immersed in an oasis that suddenly takes you out of your busy everyday life.  The eye falls on the floor-to-ceiling, bright red roasting machine in the corner behind the inviting counter with the large coffee machine.  The owner, Mirei Tanaka-Lingg, is working on this. She lives her passion for coffee art in the Blossom Coffee House on the first floor of the silo building at Papieri-Ring 6. In this issue she explains how she got into it and that for her, coffee is more than just a drink.

Since February 1, 2024, Papieri Platz has been offering the bounty of Central Swiss farms, following the opening of Agrovision Burgrain’s fourth self-service farm store. More than 300 organic products from Central Swiss farms are now available to buy at the elegant wooden pavilion in the beating heart of the Papieri neighborhood. There’s crusty bread, an array of meat products, crunchy vegetables and fresh fruit. Manuel Lerch is in charge of the Marketing and Sales division at Agrovision Burgrain. He tells us about the philosophy of this organic supplier and how the self-service farm shop came about.

Just as the contractor, Cham Swiss Properties AG, is developing and implementing the Papieri site, Inspire529 is building communities. It is essential that the new neighborhood not only provides residential space, but also evolves into a lively area for the town of Cham. This requires people who are committed, enjoy socializing and want to make a difference. That’s why the Cham Swiss Properties AG initiated the founding of a neighborhood association.

The dog salon «Little Monster» in Papieri is run by Kerstin Arnold and dedicated to delivering first-rate grooming services for four-legged friends. In an interview, the salon founder talked about her journey into dog grooming, its psychological aspects and her connection with Papieri.

Thomas Aebischer, CEO of the Cham Immobilien AG, only recently opened the gates to the new neighborhood in September. As the CEO of the building owner, Thomas Aebischer attaches great importance to preserving the history of the site. The challenge facing the architects is to strike a harmonious balance between old and new. Patrick Röösli is up to the task. He and his team have already overseen the total renovation of the engine shed, and he also designed the new «Zentrallager» office building that is currently being built inside the former central warehouse.

Keramik Loft opened its doors at Papieri at the beginning of October 2022. The studio for modern ceramic design is the merger of two labels and two generations. The two founders Tonja Amstad and Elena Gilli have big plans at and with the Papieri.

When a brand new neighborhood of housing and business is created, there’s definitely space for a new dental practice – much to the delight of Esther Schneebeli Portmann. In the current issue of Papieri People, the dentist explains what she loves about the location and what she’s looking forward to the most.

Lukas Schnurrenberger and Tobias Rothenfluh of Cham open a second location of their company AVP Media-Design with ‘Atelier 14’. Their additional location at Maschinengasse in the center of the new Papieri neighborhood, consisting of a separate film and photography studio, will be ready at the end of the year. In this article, Tobias and Lukas explain why the Papieri area also holds historical meaning for them.

Things are moving quickly on the Papieri site. The 1,000 apartments will soon welcome their new occupants, while employees will transform the commercial spaces into offices and new places of work. Lettings for the commercial premises constructed during the first phase launched on February 10. Apartment lettings are also set to launch step by step, even though the show apartment still has its scaffolding up. The four-person team headed up by William White, Head of Asset & Site Management, and Vivienne Bertelsen, Real Estate Manager, will oversee the lettings.

Alongside many others, Andreas Friederich and Roger Boltshauser have been closely involved in the transformation of the Papieri site. Friederich, an architect and former CEO of the Cham Swiss Properties, and Boltshauser, an architect and urban planner, have had a part in the process, albeit in different roles, from the very outset, and are continuing to contribute to this day.

Werni Anderegg worked on the site for 48 years – first as an electrician, and lastly in facility management. Not only does he know every nook and cranny, but he is also a contemporary witness to the historical transformation of the site, from former paper mill to an emerging new neighborhood for living and working. Werni retired in summer 2021.