Mr Lanz, you have been Mayor of Thun since 2011. What have been your greatest successes and failures during this time?
During my term of office as Mayor of Thun since 2011, we have achieved many successes. Thun has generally developed very well, which is reflected in rising tax revenues, above-average income growth and record overnight stays, for example. Our town is characterised by a very high quality of life. However, it is difficult to name specific high and low points, as politics is the result of many joint endeavours. The well-being of the citizens is at the centre of my concerns and I believe that they enjoy living in Thun.
How is the town of Thun doing economically?
Thun’s economic situation has changed over the years; we were once heavily dependent on military operations and the army. Today, we have a diversified SME economy, with 96% of businesses employing fewer than 50 people. This ensures a robust, constant and stable economy without major fluctuations. In terms of tourism, we are at an all-time record, which shows that Thun is very popular with tourists.
What are the city’s economic drivers and how dependent is the city on them?
In Thun, we are fortunately no longer dependent on individual economic drivers. Large employers such as Thun Hospital or construction companies such as Frutiger AG are important, but their performance does not influence the entire economic area. Our strength lies in our broad diversification, with a particular focus on mechanical engineering. Even if individual prominent companies relocate, the impact on our economy is moderate and we are well able to compensate for such changes.
How has the city of Thun developed in recent years?
Thun has developed very positively in recent years, which is also reflected in its growing tax capacity. We have one of the lowest vacancy rates in Switzerland, which on the one hand emphasises our attractiveness, but on the other hand also poses challenges, especially for young families looking for living space. To counteract this, we are focussing on various area developments. We also emphasise the recreational qualities of our city on the water and in the mountains, for example through the Lake Thun Games or the Thun Water Magic.
What are Thun’s advantages as a business location?
One of Thun’s key advantages for companies is its attractiveness for skilled workers, as they are drawn by the outstanding leisure facilities and its location on the water. This attractive environment makes it easier for companies to attract and retain qualified employees. We endeavour to create optimal framework conditions, including short distances to politics and effective business development. This creates a business environment that contributes to prosperity.
How does the city administration co-operate with local, regional and cantonal business associations to promote the location?
We maintain close relationships both in the local and regional economic area as well as with the cantonal economic development organisation. Constant dialogue with the business associations is very important to us. If concerns arise, we can contribute our expertise or request support. Overall, this co-operation works extremely well.
What have been the most important urban development projects in recent years?
A central project in Thun’s urban development is the recently approved revision of the entire local planning, which includes the basic building regulations and has spanned several legislative periods. In addition to local planning, we are placing particular emphasis on site developments, with the railway station and the former military site in Thun North considered to be premium development priorities. A new S-Bahn station is also planned in the Thun North area. The Thun development area is responsible for regional planning, whereby the cantonal structure plan is broken down to the individual municipalities. This regional planning organisation coordinates settlement and transport planning to ensure that everything is developed in a coordinated and not contradictory manner.
What are the city’s long-term goals in terms of economic growth and location promotion?
We certainly need a certain amount of economic growth. I am convinced that this growth will materialise if we succeed in offering the local economy good framework conditions. The greatest opportunity for us are the companies that are already here. We want to support them with development opportunities, which will also ensure that growth is sustainable. I realise that growth must always be compatible with the population, otherwise there will be resistance, which can sometimes turn into blockades.
Have you experienced such resistance from the population in the last 15 years?
In the last 15 years, there has of course been resistance from the population to certain projects. As politicians, it is our job to anticipate such resistance and convince the population. By providing transparent information and taking concerns into account, we have been able to successfully overcome every vote on development projects to date.
Let’s move on to property. What are currently the city’s most important property projects
?
Thun is currently focussing on several real estate projects. One of these projects is “Hoffmatte”, which has been held up by legal delays despite a favourable referendum. Another key project is “Freistatt”, a new housing development by a housing cooperative, for which a referendum is planned soon. In addition, the “Siegenthalergut” will close a gap in the housing estate and transform it into a new neighbourhood. The city attaches great importance to informing the population transparently about such projects and convincing them of the added value.
Do you still have sites available for the future?
The city of Thun only has a few sites available for future development. On the one hand, there is potential at the “Siegenthalergut” and opposite the football arena in Thun Süd, where a work zone is planned. I see the greatest development potential in the “Thun North” area, which offers good transport links, a planned railway station and open spaces. However, these areas are army conversion sites, which means that their civilian use harbours a certain degree of complexity.
How do you see the development of the property market in Thun?
The property market in Thun has been characterised by rising prices in the past, although a phase of consolidation is currently being observed. Thun is particularly sought after due to its attractiveness, which leads to an illiquid property market with few available and affordable properties. To counteract this, the city is endeavouring to provide adequate living space for all sections of the population, including young families and older people, through various site developments.
Is there currently a housing shortage in Thun? If so, how are you dealing with it?
There are currently housing challenges in Thun. Two main approaches to tackling this problem are site development and building regulations. The local planning revision will enable increased internal development so that more can be built than before. This should incentivise landowners to make better use of their property and thus reduce the housing shortage.
There is a shortage of skilled labour throughout Switzerland. What is the situation in Thun?
The shortage of skilled labour is just as prevalent in Thun as it is throughout the country. The city is focussing on creating an attractive environment for potential skilled workers and their families, as this increases the likelihood that they will decide to work in Thun. We know from feedback from companies that an attractive residential and living environment is very important for attracting skilled labour.
What is your vision for the future development of the city?
Thun has developed very positively, which is why we don’t want to make any fundamental changes. My main aim is to ensure that residents enjoy living in Thun. We are paying particular attention to the development of Thun North, inner city development, various site developments and the associated creation of open and green spaces. Despite growth, we are endeavouring to preserve Thun’s characteristic qualities and not expand at all costs. For example, we have built a ring of multi-storey car parks around the city centre to reduce traffic in the city centre and improve the quality of life. We always try to create win-win situations and not play individual measures off against each other.
