immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Zentralschweiz

  • Lucerne knocks Zug off its throne

    Lucerne knocks Zug off its throne

    Lucerne is lowering its effective corporate tax rate from 11.91 to 11.66 per cent in 2026, overtaking Zug, which is now at 11.71 per cent. According to PwC, this makes Lucerne the canton with the lowest corporate tax rate in Switzerland for the first time.

    The difference is small, but the message is all the greater. In tax competition, it is not only the absolute amount that counts, but also the symbolic effect. Whoever is at the top sends a clear signal to mobile companies and investors.

    Switzerland keeps moving
    Eight cantons are lowering their corporate taxes slightly, while four are increasing them minimally. Overall, the 2026 tax comparison shows a country that remains active in international competition and does not simply manage its attractiveness.

    It is striking that the OECD minimum tax introduced in 2024 has hardly changed the cantonal tax rates so far. PwC speaks of a rather wait-and-see attitude towards the new global framework conditions. This is precisely why competition within Switzerland continues to gain in importance.

    Zurich and Bern are coming under pressure
    At the other end of the scale are Bern and Zurich. According to PwC, Berne has an effective rate of 20.54 per cent, while Zurich is still at 19.47 per cent despite a slight reduction. Both cantons therefore continue to be among the most expensive locations for companies in Switzerland in terms of taxes.

    This is tricky from a location perspective. After all, high economic quality, good accessibility and strong labour markets are not always enough if the fiscal difference is almost twice as high as in Lucerne. The tax factor remains a tough lever in the competition for new relocations and expansions.

    More than just a tax ranking
    According to PwC, Central Switzerland maintains its role as a particularly attractive business location. In an international comparison, Lucerne and Zug rank at the lower end of the tax burden; in the EU, only Hungary taxes companies more heavily than Lucerne.

    This makes it clear what is really at stake. It’s not just about a difference in figures between two cantons, but about the strategic positioning of entire economic areas. Lucerne has taken a small step towards the top. This is precisely what can make the difference in the competition between locations.

  • Regional companies in the spotlight at the Central Switzerland awards ceremony

    Regional companies in the spotlight at the Central Switzerland awards ceremony

    Obrist interior is the winner of the Prix SVC Zentralschweiz 2025. Founded in 1895, the SME from Inwil specialises in high-quality shopfitting and interior design. According to a statement from the Swiss Venture Club(SVC), it employs around 120 specialists worldwide to realise exceptional interiors for luxury brands, business premises and private homes. As Urban Camenzind, jury president and economic director of the canton of Uri, emphasised at the award ceremony, the expert jury was “impressed by the successful combination of traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology. Working closely together, customer advisors, project managers, planners and production specialists process a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal and glass into high-quality shop and interior fittings – true works of art, created in Central Switzerland for the global market.”

    Second place went to the Axon Active Group from Lucerne. It supports companies and organisations in various industries with scalable digital solutions to transform and optimise their business processes. The company is characterised by agility, sustainability and customer proximity, according to the SVC jury.

    Third place went to Schiltrac Fahrzeugbau. The company from Buochs builds customised special transporters for various applications, from agricultural and municipal vehicles to fire engines. According to the SVC, Schiltrac is known for its high manufacturing quality and flexibility.

    The other winners were Stadler Form from Zug and Impact Acoustic from Lucerne. Stadler Form optimises the indoor climate with its humidifiers, dehumidifiers and aroma diffusers. Impact Acoustic develops recyclable products that improve room acoustics in offices, restaurants, hotels and public buildings.

  • 270 reasons for Stans

    270 reasons for Stans

    The non-profit housing association Logis Suisse AG is planning a new housing estate in the west of Stans. Around 270 affordable apartments, around 1,000 m² of commercial space and two communal areas will be built by 2032 on a 12,700 m² site that the company acquired back in 2015. The study contract, in which seven general planning teams took part in 2025, was won by Studio Sintzel from Zurich and Uniola AG.

    Two buildings, eight courtyards
    The project, known internally as “Eight courtyards for Stans”, is based on two seven-storey buildings. Despite their volume, they appear from the outside as loosely placed point buildings. Head elements refer to existing buildings and structure the street fronts with front garden zones. Open courtyards with passageways structure the outdoor space and allow views of the surrounding mountains. A high-quality counterbalance to the adjacent highway. An existing old building in the center of the development will be retained and will serve as a social meeting point in the future.

    Mixed quarter with short distances
    The site is located opposite the Länderpark shopping center, on a multi-lane road and in the immediate vicinity of the freeway. Bicycle paths and footpaths should nevertheless link the new district well with Stans and Stansstad. With 0.8 parking spaces per apartment, Logis Suisse is below the usual standard, a clear commitment to sustainable mobility. The apartment mix ranges from compact 1.5-room apartments for singles and older people to spacious 5.5-room apartments for families and shared flats. On the first floor, studio apartments, care facilities and commercial space enliven the district.

    Built to conserve resources
    The client’s aim was to create a model project in terms of ecology, social space and economic efficiency. The load-bearing structure is designed to be material-efficient, the floor plans are compact and a photovoltaic system on the roofs covers a large part of the electricity requirements on site. A single-storey underground car park minimizes excavation work. Construction is scheduled to start in 2030 and be completed in 2032.

  • New foundation to bring SMEs forward

    New foundation to bring SMEs forward

    Lucerne performs solidly in national competitiveness rankings. In terms of innovative strength, however, the canton ranks at the bottom. Those who fail to address this shortfall risk losing out in the competition between locations in the long term. This finding is the starting point for the planned Lucerne Innovation Foundation and for the special credit that the cantonal government is now applying for.

    The foundation as the linchpin
    The new foundation is not intended to create a parallel structure, but rather to coordinate existing partner organizations and better network their offerings. The focus is on companies in the early stages of development. In other words, where the need is greatest and resources are scarcest. In addition to coordination, the foundation can also co-finance specific implementation projects such as feasibility studies. The foundation board should consist of at least five members, and a four-year performance agreement ensures planning security.

    24 million with a clear earmarking
    One million of the requested 24 million francs will flow into the foundation’s capital. The remaining CHF 23 million is earmarked for the foundation’s services in the years 2026 to 2029. Lucerne is thus positioning itself as a canton that does not wait for federal funding, but acts itself. In addition to national programs such as those of Innosuisse, which support SME innovation throughout Switzerland.

    Part of a larger reorganization
    The foundation is embedded in the canton’s broader location promotion package. In January 2026, the cantonal council approved a package of measures worth around CHF 300 million per year. This was in response to the OECD minimum taxation, which reduces previous tax advantages. The Lucerne innovation contribution alone comprises CHF 110 to 160 million per year for companies that invest in research and development. The Lucerne Innovation Foundation is therefore not an individual measure, but part of a coordinated offensive.

    Referendum in September
    The Cantonal Council has already approved the overarching Location Promotion Act. However, the voters have the final say. The vote is scheduled for September 2026, with entry into force in October 2026. However, the foundation can already be established on the basis of the current legal foundations. The go-ahead does not have to wait for the referendum.

  • Horw is growing upwards, 14 storeys at the railway station

    Horw is growing upwards, 14 storeys at the railway station

    Three striking new buildings with inner courtyards are being built between the railway station and Ebenaustrasse. The municipality is planning an eight-storey building at the roundabout, a 14-storey high-rise to the south of it as a vertical accent and an eight-storey longitudinal building facing Ebenaustrasse. The new bus station will be located in between, closer to the railway line than today and much more convenient for all those who change buses every day.

    “Janus” favours greenery and glass
    Further east, along Ebenaustrasse and Ringstrasse, the municipality has held an architectural competition. The winning project is called “Janus” and envisages five largely glazed, six- to seven-storey apartment blocks, surrounded by trees and connected by a shared forecourt. The buildings appear bright and open, the ensemble creates urban quality without anonymity.

    Commercial yes, but how much?
    At least 20 per cent of the space in the new buildings is to be used for commercial purposes. This is envisaged by the municipality, and not just on the ground floor, but up to the third or fourth floor. The property owners take a critical view of this. They point to a lack of demand and draw on their experience with the previous “Horw centre” open space concept. The municipal council is willing to talk, but reserves the right to add further storeys if necessary.

    Part of a big picture
    The railway station project is embedded in the overall “Horw Mitte” project, which covers around 12 hectares and plans 1,000 new flats and 800 new jobs in the long term. A large part has already been realised to the west of the tracks, while the eastern part is now catching up. Over two decades, the municipality is thus developing a former peripheral area into a compact, well-developed centre.

    Residents’ Council has the floor
    The bus station was already approved by the Residents’ Council on 27 March 2026, with construction not due to start until 2028 at the earliest. The vote is still pending for the Part East development plan. This requires the approval of the cantonal government of Lucerne and a referendum-free conclusion. It is also still unclear who will bear the planning costs. So there is still a lot to be clarified before the construction cranes move in.

  • Ein Quartier ohne Einsprache

    Ein Quartier ohne Einsprache

    Der Luzerner Regierungsrat genehmigte den Bebauungsplan Schützenmatt im Januar 2026. Der Emmer Einwohnerrat hatte ihn bereits am 1. Juli 2025 in zweiter Lesung einstimmig verabschiedet. Nach Ablauf der Beschwerdefrist liegt nun Rechtskraft vor, kein einziger Rekurs wurde eingereicht. Das ist bei einem Projekt dieser Grössenordnung keine Selbstverständlichkeit, sondern ein Zeichen breiter Akzeptanz.

    250 Wohnungen, 4000 Quadratmeter Leben
    Auf dem Areal entstehen rund 250 Wohnungen in verschiedenen Grössen sowie Gewerbe-, Gastronomie- und Dienstleistungsflächen von insgesamt rund 4000 Quadratmetern. Der Wohnungsmix reicht von kleineren Einheiten über Familienwohnungen bis zu Alterswohnungen . Bewusst konzipiert für alle Lebensphasen und verschiedene Einkommensstufen. Ein Teil der Wohnungen muss als preisgünstiger Wohnraum realisiert werden.

    Weniger Auto, mehr Velo
    Das Mobilitätskonzept setzt klare Prioritäten sodass Fuss, Velo und öffentlicher Verkehr Vorrang haben. Geplant sind über 970 Veloabstellplätze, darunter eine gedeckte, öffentlich zugängliche Velostation mit mindestens 300 Plätzen direkt an der Bahnhofunterführung. Für Autos stehen maximal 120 Parkplätze in der Tiefgarage bereit. Die Velohauptroute entlang der Gleise wird kreuzungsfrei geführt. Somit entfallen Konflikte mit dem Fussgängerverkehr.

    Die Stadt als Schwamm
    Das städtebauliche Konzept stammt von Fischer Architekten, deren Wettbewerbsbeitrag mit dem ersten Preis ausgezeichnet wurde. Im Zentrum steht das Schwammstadtprinzip. Sickerfähige Beläge, Bäume auf natürlichem Boden und begrünte Dachflächen speichern Regenwasser und geben es kontrolliert wieder ab. Mindestens 60 Prozent der Dachflächen werden intensiv begrünt. Das verbessert das Mikroklima und macht das Quartier klimaresilient.

    Ab 2027 wird gebaut
    Mit der Rechtskraft liegt die Umsetzung nun bei den Grundeigentümerschaften. Die Realisierung ist in vier Etappen geplant, ein Bezug der ersten Wohnungen ist ab rund 2030 realistisch. Christine Bopp, Leiterin Planung der Gemeinde Emmen, spricht von einem abgeschlossenen langen Planungsprozess, der nun Planungssicherheit für alle Beteiligten schafft. Emmenbrücke bekommt sein neues Herz und baut es mit Bedacht.

  • When the state becomes an accomplice

    When the state becomes an accomplice

    Two houses, around 5000 square meters, directly on the shores of Lake Aegeri in the canton of Zug. Wüest Partner estimated the value at CHF 27 million. The property was sold in 2017 for CHF 16 million, around CHF 3300 per square meter. At the same time, comparable properties changed hands for between 6,000 and 13,500 francs.

    A bargain or a crooked deal
    The owner had made provisions. Her property was part of a holding structure. 45 percent to each child, 10 percent to the granddaughter. But the brother acted behind his sister’s back. The sale was sealed in less than 100 days, without a public tender, without a bidding process, without the sister’s consent. She found out about it a month after the contract was signed and immediately filed a criminal complaint.

    When 9 million finds no explanation
    The buyer paid 16 million and received an unsecured loan of up to 25 million from Zuger Kantonalbank, a difference of 9 million. Internally, the bank valued the property significantly higher than the purchase price would suggest.
    Today, the buyer is in the dock for money laundering. He is said to have known that the sale was based on serious injustice.

    When a commission remains silent
    The case grew beyond the courtroom. In the summer of 2025, the Zug Cantonal Council set up a PUK to investigate the role of the cantonal government. The focus was on faulty land register inspections. The notary responsible pushed the matter forward without any legal grounds for recusal and evaded the crucial questions during questioning.

    When justice takes time
    Nine days of hearings until the end of March. Presided over by Judge Svea Anlauf. A verdict in June at the earliest. The presumption of innocence applies to all defendants.

    Lake Aegeri glistens. What comes to light in the courtroom during these weeks could keep the canton of Zug busy for a long time to come.

  • “Insieme” education centers in Sursee

    “Insieme” education centers in Sursee

    The project competition was announced as an open, single-stage and anonymous procedure for general planning teams, with eight teams submitting proposals on time. The jury assessed them according to functionality, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, urban planning and architecture and awarded the contract to the “Insieme” project by Bob Gysin Partner from Zurich. The centerpiece is a new seven-storey building along the railroad line, which makes a clear contribution to urban densification and orients the campus more towards the station.

    Bright learning landscape
    In future, the new main entrances will be oriented more towards the railroad station, thus relieving the existing access through the adjacent residential area. All gymnasiums will be accessible via the newly defined entrance area, which will simplify routing and orientation. The arrangement of classrooms, group rooms, atriums and meeting zones creates a bright, flexible learning landscape that supports different forms of teaching and informal encounters in equal measure.

    Building sustainably, upgrading open spaces
    In terms of construction, “Insieme” relies on a combination of existing buildings and timber construction. With the exception of the basement, the existing building in Wing B is being dismantled and extended with a timber ribbed ceiling to create a six-storey building. The design of the open space responds to the climate heating by shading the existing staircase and enhancing it with additional planting and seating. The edge of the forest will have new recreational areas and loose tree planting, which will significantly increase the quality of the outdoor space.

    Next steps until commissioning
    In the first quarter of 2026, the jury’s comments will be reviewed and the competition project optimized if necessary. The extended facility is currently scheduled to open in 2035. Around CHF 97.4 million has been set aside in the cantonal financial planning for the expansion and partial renovation of the BBZG W in Sursee. An investment in future-proof vocational training and a strong educational location in the region.

  • Urban change on the Wellis site

    Urban change on the Wellis site

    One of the region’s most exciting transformation areas is located between the railroad station and the old town. Halls, warehouses and work yards are being transformed into an urban quarter with its own character. The area thus plays a key role as the gateway to Willisau.

    The area is roughly the same size as the historic old town. The previously closed production site is being transformed into an open piece of town. Paths, squares and open spaces will connect the station, the old town and the district. The previous barrier will become an urban interface.

    Mixture instead of monofunction
    The development clearly focuses on a mixture of uses. Several hundred apartments of different sizes and typologies are planned, supplemented by areas for commerce, services and local amenities. Living, working, shopping and leisure are moving closer together.

    It creates frequency throughout the day, increases the utilization of the infrastructure and reduces dependency on a single type of use. At the same time, it opens up scope for new forms of work, small-scale service providers and local suppliers.

    Identity from the industrial past
    The Wellisareal remains recognizable as a place. Parts of the existing building fabric will be preserved and used for new purposes. The industrial character not only provides history, but also identity. It clearly distinguishes the district from green meadow developments on the outskirts of the town.

    New buildings complement the existing buildings without covering them up. A high point marks the area in the silhouette of Willisau. The decisive factor here is not the height alone, but the effect in the urban space. This creates an image that remains anchored in the perception of residents, visitors and investors.

    Open space as a location factor
    The project consistently combines density with open space. Generous green spaces, trees, squares and paths structure the quarter and ensure a quality of stay. Instead of the inner courtyard as a residual area, the open space is at the center of the concept.

    For future users, this is more than just a matter of comfort. Shaded recreational areas, well thought-out outdoor spaces and differentiated microclimates are becoming hard location factors. They influence rentability, image and long-term value development. A robust open space concept also supports the adaptability of the neighborhood over its life cycle.

    Rebalancing mobility
    The location directly next to the train station and close to the old town allows for a low-traffic approach. Priority is given to pedestrians and cyclists, with public transport services within walking distance. The project deliberately reduces the number of parking spaces and focuses on alternative forms of mobility.

    For local authorities and investors, this means less land consumption for cars, more space for value creation and quality of life. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to think of mobility as an integrated offer. From sharing solutions to logistics and neighborhood services.

  • New CKW headquarters strengthens Emmen

    New CKW headquarters strengthens Emmen

    With the “EnergiePark Emmen” project, CKW intends to further develop its existing site on the Reussinsel. The centerpiece is a new plant building for the Grids and Building Technology divisions, including a grid base for the construction, operation and maintenance of the electricity grid in the greater Lucerne area. The employees previously based in Reussbühl will thus have modern workplaces in Emmen, and processes will be bundled in terms of space and organization.

    Commitment to Emmen and more jobs
    The Reussinsel is CKW’s historic place of origin, where the first power plant went into operation in 1894. With the planned relocation of its headquarters, CKW is building on these roots and making a long-term commitment to the Emmen site. The number of employees on the Reussinsel will increase from around 600 today to around 1,000, which will generate additional tax revenue and strengthen the economic development of the municipality.

    Careful planning and inward densification
    The guideline project was developed in a planning process lasting several years with the municipality of Emmen and a study contract with five planning teams. The “Compakt” project by Penzel Valier AG with Maurus Schifferli Landschaftsarchitekten was selected for its urban planning quality and sensitive integration into the landscape. The project consistently focuses on inward densification. The valuable natural space on the Reussinsel remains untouched and additional buildings are only planned as a long-term reserve.

    Traffic, development and next steps
    An important part of the project is the development and traffic management. Mobility measures are planned together with Emmen and Ebikon, including a new bus stop in the Rathausen area, adjustments to the road infrastructure and mobility management with trip caps and balanced traffic distribution. Based on the indicative project, the municipality of Emmen is now drawing up the development plan with the active involvement of the local population. According to the current timetable, concrete construction projects could be approved and implemented from 2030.

  • Lucerne invests 300 million in its location

    Lucerne invests 300 million in its location

    The starting point for the proposal is the concern that the previous locational advantage of low corporate profit taxes will be lost as a result of the OECD minimum taxation. International corporations will have to pay more tax in future, which means there is a risk that top taxpayers and jobs will move away. The adopted package is intended to cushion these effects and keep Lucerne attractive as a business location through other levers.

    The Cantonal Council has amended the law on economic development and regional policy for this purpose. An annual volume of measures of around CHF 300 million has now been anchored in favor of location promotion. The canton is thus creating a predictable framework for the targeted financing of strategic projects and structural improvements.

    Innovation, taxes, land, administration
    The measures in favor of the economy are concentrated on several axes. At the center is the promotion of innovation. This means supporting companies, projects and structures that increase value creation and future viability. This is complemented by an improvement in the tax burden in other areas in order to partially compensate for the loss of the profit tax advantage.

    Another focus is on the development and availability of commercial and residential space. Lucerne wants to ensure that sufficient suitable space is available for businesses, services and housing. Equally important is a “customer-oriented” administration. Processes should become faster, more transparent and more business-oriented so that investments do not fail due to bureaucratic hurdles. For the population, additional measures are aimed at easing the tax burden, improving work-life balance, culture and digitalization.

    New rules for micro-shops and shop-fronts
    The bill also includes changes to the retail sector. Self-service stores without sales staff with a maximum area of 30 square meters will be allowed to open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in future. A restriction to farm stores was narrowly rejected. The regulation thus applies more broadly and facilitates new, automated store concepts.

    In addition, stores with fast charging stations will in some cases be treated in the same way as petrol station stores. Anyone who operates at least four charging stations with 150 kilowatts each and a simultaneous total charging capacity of at least 300 kilowatts can benefit from extended opening hours. In this way, the canton is supporting the expansion of e-mobility and linking charging infrastructure with local service offerings.

    Political controversy is inevitable
    The bill is politically controversial. The SVP and SP have announced a referendum. Both because of the fundamental direction of the package and because of the extended store opening hours and the location policy in favor of large companies. This means that the thrust of Lucerne’s location strategy is likely to be the subject of public debate.

    In practice, this means that companies, investors and municipalities will receive a clear signal that the canton is prepared to invest substantial funds in location development. However, whether and in what form the package of measures will definitely come into force will also depend on the political debate and a possible referendum.

  • Lucerne Economic Development Wermelinger takes over

    Lucerne Economic Development Wermelinger takes over

    The Board of Trustees of Lucerne Economic Development has elected 54-year-old Patrik Wermelinger from Lucerne as its new Director. He comes from the canton of Lucerne, lives with his wife in Meierskappel and has known the regional economy at close quarters for many years. He has a degree in business administration and an Executive MBA in General Management, which he completed at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

    Wermelinger is currently Chief Investment Promotion Officer and a member of the Executive Board at Switzerland Global Enterprise. In this role, he supports international companies in setting up operations in Switzerland and operates at the interface between location marketing, investment decisions and global competition for projects. This profile predestines him to position Lucerne visibly in the competition between business locations. With a clear understanding of the requirements of international investors.

    Familiar head with a return bonus
    Patrik Wermelinger is no stranger to Lucerne. From 2006 to 2016, he was head of location promotion and marketing at the Lucerne Economic Development Agency. During this time, he built up a broad network of companies, municipalities, institutions and partners in Switzerland and abroad. He knows the strengths, but also the challenges of the economic region from practical experience. From industry to tourism and knowledge-intensive services.

    This return with additional international experience is a strategic advantage for the organization. Wermelinger brings in-depth relocation and promotion experience from Switzerland as a whole, combined with a clear view of Lucerne as an independent brand in the competition between locations. This creates good conditions for maintaining existing relationships and attracting new companies. Especially in an environment in which location decisions are more competitive.

    Orderly transition at the top
    Patrik Wermelinger will take over as Director on June 1, 2026. The current Director, Ivan Buck, will retain operational responsibility until the end of February 2026. He will then set up his own company in the field of relationship management. For the transition phase between March and the end of May 2026, Deputy Director Andreas Zettel will take over management on an interim basis and ensure a smooth transition.

    Lucerne Economic Development thus relies on continuity in ongoing operations and a clear handover. The combination of temporal overlap, internal interim solution and succession communicated at an early stage strengthens planning security for partners, municipalities and companies that work with the organization.

    Trust in expertise and personality
    The Board of Trustees is convinced that it has made the right choice in Patrik Wermelinger. President Erwin Steiger emphasizes both the high level of expertise and the international experience of the designated Director. At the same time, he emphasizes his trustworthy and winning manner. A combination that is central to the work at the interface between politics, administration and business.

    With this personnel decision, Lucerne Economic Development is positioning itself for the coming years with regional roots, an international network and a director at the helm who already knows Lucerne as a location.

  • The Sursee hospital site – new prospects from 2034

    The Sursee hospital site – new prospects from 2034

    The new construction of the LUKS Sursee and the Seeblick care center on Schwyzermatt in Schenkon will free up an area of around 47,000 square meters on Spitalstrasse in Sursee. About seven football pitches, centrally located, well developed and with views as far as the Alps. Where hospital buildings still stand today, a new urban building block can be created from 2034 that will shape Sursee in the long term. The canton of Lucerne is the main owner of the site, while adjacent areas also belong to the canton and partly to the city and will be included in the planning.

    The almost 50-year-old LUKS Sursee no longer meets the requirements of a modern hospital operation. The government council’s decision to build a new hospital and care center in Schenkon by 2033 will shift the healthcare infrastructure and open up a rare urban development potential in Sursee.

    Living, living, meeting
    The canton of Lucerne and the city of Sursee are pursuing a common goal: a mixed-use, lively district that combines living, services and quality of life. A test plan from 2026 will examine which uses and development structures are possible and sensible on the site. The results will form the basis for rezoning, architectural competitions and the first construction phases, which are to start after the hospital and nursing home have moved away, with the aim of avoiding vacancies as far as possible.

    It is already clear that the area is particularly suitable for residential use, for families, couples, singles and senior citizens. In addition, services, shopping facilities and restaurants are conceivable to fill the district with life. The aim is to create a socially mixed environment with a mix of upmarket and affordable housing that strengthens Sursee as a place to live and at the same time creates new opportunities for different phases of life.

    Sursee is growing
    Sursee is growing dynamically and, with a vacancy rate of 0.26 percent, has an extremely tight housing market. The new offer on the hospital site should help to alleviate the pressure and create additional residential quality in a central location. Its proximity to the old town, the existing transport links and the view of the lake make the site a key location for future urban development.

    It is an opportunity to create a new, identity-forming district. The site can provide impetus for the economic development of the region, create new jobs in the service sector and further raise Sursee’s profile as a regional center.

    District development as a joint task
    The planning of the hospital site is deliberately designed as an open process. Workshops with the local population and various interest groups are planned from spring 2026. Needs, ideas and expectations are to be incorporated at an early stage so that a district is created that is not only convincing from a planning perspective, but is also supported by the population.

    The municipal assembly will decide on the necessary changes to the sub-zone plan. This makes it clear that the future of the hospital site will not be designed in secret, but in a transparent process that combines specialist planning and local perspectives.

    A new urban building block with a history and a future
    In the long term, a diverse residential and living space with green areas, play areas and recreational spaces could be created where a hospital still operates today. Outdoor meeting places, short distances and good connections to the existing urban structure should make the area an integral part of Sursee.

    The canton of Lucerne wants to make targeted use of the potential of the privileged location with its lake view and historical use. From 2034, there will be an opportunity to create a district that respects the history of the site and at the same time provides answers to the housing and living needs of the coming decades. A new chapter for the hospital site and for Sursee.

  • Nidwalden pools its blue light forces

    Nidwalden pools its blue light forces

    The 33,000 square meter site on Kreuzstrasse is now completely built over. Many of the buildings are in need of considerable renovation, including the cantonal police and prison buildings. In addition, there are operational deficiencies such as a lack of escape routes or inadequate separation between public and staff entrances.

    On the basis of a broad-based investigation, the cantonal government has decided to completely reorganize the site and build new replacement buildings. The aim is to create a modern security competence center that improves functional processes, increases security and is more economical in the long term than selective renovations.

    Bundled blue-light organizations
    The site is currently home to the police, prison, road safety center, road inspectorate, justice department and public prosecutor’s office. Due to the central location, the possibility of relocating additional emergency services, in particular the fire department and ambulance service, to Kreuzstrasse is being examined. The aim is to create a location with short distances, coordinated processes and clear responsibilities.

    Test planning has shown that this bundling on the existing site is realistic. It confirms that the spatial requirements of the current uses and additional organizations can be implemented on the site without obstructing the site’s development potential.

    Prison with a view to future needs
    The future direction of the cantonal prison was also analyzed in depth as part of the test planning. The demand for prison places in Switzerland is high, particularly for inmates in need of care in the penal system. Against this background, Nidwalden is examining how the new prison facilities should be dimensioned and functionally aligned in order to meet demand in the long term.

    Design plan and indicative project
    The District Council has approved a planning credit of CHF 1.63 million for the design plan and indicative project. The planning will be continued with a clearly defined group of users – the cantonal police, rescue service, fire department, justice department, public prosecutor’s office, prison, road inspectorate, road safety center and selected administrative units.

    The design plan is intended to create the legally binding framework for the next planning steps. It specifies which uses are permitted where, how development, open spaces and urban planning are to be designed and which stages are possible.

    Adjustments to the process and open sub-projects
    Several planning teams were initially involved in the study commission for the design plan and indicative project. In the course of 2025, however, it became apparent that the development with a moderate expansion of the existing traffic circle would not be sufficient in view of new traffic forecasts. At the same time, a new option for the road safety center came into play. Obwalden is planning a new building in Sarnen and synergies of a shared location with test halls and test tracks are being examined.

    In order to be able to react more flexibly to these changes, it was decided to terminate the study contract in its previous form and to continue working on the indicative project with just one planning team. In October 2025, the District Council also requested more planning certainty, particularly for the two sub-projects “Road Safety Center” and “Prison”, before the design plan and indicative project are definitively completed.

    Next steps and timetable
    The design plan will cover the three local municipalities of Stans, Buochs and Oberdorf. The corresponding municipal assemblies or ballots for decision-making are currently scheduled for 2027.

    The first loan applications for architectural competitions for individual buildings of the security competence center are expected from 2028 at the earliest. Until then, it will be a matter of clarifying the unresolved issues relating to development, the prison layout and the traffic safety center.

  • Engineers’ Day 2026

    Engineers’ Day 2026

    Against the backdrop of climate change, digitalization and sustainable mobility, engineers are taking on a key role. They develop solutions for renewable energy systems, resilient infrastructures, smart mobility concepts, digital technologies, data-based applications and resource-conserving production.

    focus on the next generation
    Engineers’ Day aims to get young people interested in technology at an early age, from primary school children to university students. Companies and institutions offer guided tours, workshops, demo stations and dialog formats that bring professions to life and enable direct encounters with experts.

    the background to this is a persistent shortage of skilled workers, particularly in engineering and STEM professions, where women continue to be severely underrepresented. Companies, organizations and educational institutions are therefore invited to register their own events and activities for 4 March 2026 and thus actively contribute to the promotion of young talent.

    national Conference of Engineers
    The National Conference of Engineers will be held on the same day for the first time. Around 40 experts from business, science, politics and associations will come together at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Horw to discuss specific measures to strengthen the next generation of engineers.

    the aim of the conference is to join forces across industries and disciplines and find new ways to attract more young people in their diversity to engineering, STEM and tech professions. The conference thus complements the decentralized activities of Engineers’ Day with a strategic platform for exchange and joint initiatives.

    from Muttenz to Lucerne
    The handover from the previous venue of Muttenz to Lucerne in October 2025 marks a further step in the format’s development. With the first National Conference of Engineers at HSLU, Engineers’ Day 2026 will not only be an event for young talent, but also a meeting place for decision-makers in the engineering and education landscape.

  • New pipe bridge strengthens regional district heating network

    New pipe bridge strengthens regional district heating network

    BRUGG Pipes from Kleindöttingen, part of the Brugg-based BRUGG Group AG, has supplied pre-insulated district heating pipes for a crossing of the A4 highway. The bridge element between Holzhäusern and Rotkreuz was lifted into place at the end of October, according to a press release. During assembly, two 48-metre-long pipes suitable for bridge structures were installed. They weigh 4.9 tons without water.

    The pipe bridge connects existing and new sections of the Ennetsee heating network. Further districts and commercial locations in Rotkreuz ZG, Cham ZG and neighboring areas are to be connected to the district heating network. The client for the project is WWZ. The company B S AG was responsible for the planning and construction management of the bridge, supported by Hodel SHLK AG as the pipe constructor. “I am delighted with how WWZ, B S, Hodel SHLK and the other partners implemented this project in a spirit of partnership and with the utmost precision. Laying our pipes like this with our own bridge is definitely not an everyday occurrence. I am all the more pleased that the installation was successful and that our pre-insulated pipe systems are now supporting the expansion of the Ennetsee heating network and decarbonization,” said Martin Rigaud, CEO of BRUGG Pipes, in the press release.

    WWZ uses the waste heat from the Renergia waste incineration plant in Perlen LU as a heat source. Cham is also to be supplied with district heating from the project by fall 2026. Overall, the expansion of the network is expected to save around 12,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

  • Central Switzerland’s first alpine solar plant goes online

    Central Switzerland’s first alpine solar plant goes online

    energieUri has connected the first alpine solar plant in Central Switzerland to the grid on the Sidenplangg in the municipality of Spiringen, according to a press release. The plant at an altitude of 1,800 to 2,000 meters is set to generate 12.5 gigawatt hours of electricity per year with a total output of 8 megawatts when fully expanded. Almost half of this will be produced in winter.

    The plant currently supplies 13 percent of the planned electricity. This qualifies it for funding under the Solarexpress program. Work is due to resume in spring and be completed by the end of 2028.

    APV Sidenplangg AG is owned by the Uri-based energy supplier energieUri AG as the initiator and aventron AG, based in Münchenstein BL. “Such power plant projects create and secure highly qualified jobs in the region – be it in the planning, realization or future operation and energy management by energieUri,” says Werner Jauch. CEO of energieUri and Chairman of the Board of Directors of APV Sidenplangg AG, is quoted in the press release.

  • From the depot to a climate-resilient urban district

    From the depot to a climate-resilient urban district

    The starting point for the development is the withdrawal of the CKW depot in the context of the large-scale transformation around Seetalplatz. Based on a two-stage study commissioned by CKW and the city of Lucerne, the “Habitat – Quartier im Hain” project was selected in 2022. The careful handling of existing buildings was decisive. In particular, the Shedhalle and the consistent integration of open spaces and rainwater management.

    The ideas of the winning project were then applied to the entire perimeter of the development plan and enshrined in planning law. The result is a coordinated overall figure that combines private properties and the former factory yard area into an urban development whole.

    Urban development, mixed use and sponge city
    For reasons of noise and urban space, the north-eastern part of the area is characterized by larger, mixed-use buildings in closed construction. Living, working, services and first floor uses are concentrated here along streets and squares. The western part focuses on open residential buildings, connected green spaces and paths that link the adjacent neighborhoods.

    The central element is a topographical depression in the west, a former floodplain. It serves as a retention area for rainwater and forms the basis of the “urban grove”, which characterizes the district with trees, infiltration areas and a cooling microclimate. Rainwater management, climate-adapted open space design and the sponge city principle thus become key components of the district’s identity.

    Social mix and diversity
    When completed, around 700 to 800 additional apartments are planned for Reussbühl West, at least 20 percent of which will be non-profit. They will be supplemented by multi-purpose rooms and around 15,000 to 18,000 square meters of work space for businesses and services. Short-term rentals will be limited to the areas already available today and are only permitted in construction site C9. This is a deliberate signal in favor of long-term residential and neighborhood structures.

    The existing shed hall will be opened up for public-oriented uses and will function as an address for culture, leisure or small-scale businesses. Together with the first floor uses of the new buildings, a mixed-use, all-day lively environment will be created that closely interlinks living, working and public facilities.

    Legal planning basis and timeline
    The “Reussbühl West” development plan sets out the main elements of the urban design and the distribution of uses in a way that is binding on the landowner and allows for staggered implementation. It is open to the public from November 24 to December 23, 2025. Objections and negotiations will be incorporated into further processing before the plan is submitted to the City Council.

    Together with the “Reussbühl Ost” development plan, which is already legally binding, this will create a legal planning framework for an upgraded, mixed-use district with a total of around 1,000 additional apartments and 15 to 20 percent commercial space. The densification will take place gradually. The first non-profit apartments and new commercial space are already under construction in Reussbühl Ost, marking the transition from an industrial area to the urban city building block of the next generation.

  • Location search for the ETH Swiss GeoLab

    Location search for the ETH Swiss GeoLab

    The ETH Swiss GeoLab is to become an international center for earth observation and data analysis over the next ten years. This will create a place in Lucerne where data from space, the air and the ground will flow together. With the help of artificial intelligence and high-performance computers, forecasts and analyses of natural hazards, climate and agricultural developments will be made possible. ETH Professor Thomas Zurbuchen and ETH Professor Verena Griess will lead the project strategically, while Felix Seidel Caprez will take over the operational management of the center.

    Site selection with clear criteria
    The requirements profile for the site was defined by ETH Zurich and made public. It attaches great importance to optimal conditions for research, cooperation and innovation. A location with modern infrastructure, proximity to universities, companies and authorities is sought. Proposals submitted will be evaluated in the first quarter of 2026.

    Networking and concrete perspectives
    Networking with Lucerne’s education and research landscape is already underway before the location decision is made. Workshops between ETH, regional companies and administrative partners are intended to identify synergies and initiate joint projects.
    “This investment in knowledge and technology is a great opportunity for the canton,” says Cantonal Councillor Fabian Peter, who sees the project as a milestone for Lucerne as a location for innovation.

    Research region with a signal effect
    By 2030, the Swiss GeoLab is expected to employ around 100 people and involve start-ups and industrial partners. The center will not only redefine earth observation, but also strengthen Lucerne’s position as a strong research location in the international innovation network.

  • Lucerne presents structure plan to the public

    Lucerne presents structure plan to the public

    According to forecasts, the population of Lucerne will increase by around 120,000 people by the middle of the century and reach the 560,000 mark. In order to manage this growth in an orderly manner, the spatial development strategy sets out clear objectives in the structure plan. Priority should be given to compact, efficient settlement structures based on public transport.

    The plan ensures the economical use of land and coordinates the canton’s development plans with those of the federal government and the municipalities. It is intended to create the basis for spatially harmonizing living, working and mobility.

    Focus on inner development and affordable living space
    The central element of the revision is the creation of living space without endangering valuable cultivated land. The structure plan focuses on inward densification, for example through minimum densities and higher building densities in locations with good transport links, and allows selective extensions to building zones where they make sense for affordable housing construction.

    The so-called center areas create planning instruments for the targeted development of central locations with high densities. In future, municipalities will be able to make their housing supply binding. In addition, measures are needed in other policy areas, such as land policy or support programs for non-profit housing construction.

    Work zones and economic development
    The structure plan strengthens the local scope for action for economic areas. Municipalities are given the opportunity to expand their own work zones in order to promote new settlements with a regional connection and to link living and working more closely.

    The canton assumes a coordinating role with the program for development priorities. In addition, the structure plan creates the basis for an active land policy in order to develop areas in the canton’s interest. Such as strategic employment areas or infrastructure projects.

    Integration of overarching sustainability goals
    The structure plan revision links spatially relevant topics with overarching strategies. Aspects relating to climate protection, energy production and mobility development from cantonal projects such as “Future Mobility Canton of Lucerne” or the Climate and Energy Planning Report are anchored spatially. In this way, planning integrates ecological, economic and social developments.

    Procedure and political responsibility
    Since the revision of the Planning and Building Act in 2018, the Cantonal Council has been more closely involved in structure planning. It defines the strategic objectives in the spatial development strategy, while the cantonal government is responsible for operational coordination and the concrete spatial definition in the structure plan maps.

    The current revision is based on feedback from the 2023 consultation and the preliminary federal review in 2024. After the public consultation, all submissions will be evaluated before the revised version is forwarded to the Cantonal Council, probably in summer 2026, and then submitted to the Federal Council for approval.

  • “Zug Mar-a-Lago”

    “Zug Mar-a-Lago”

    At 5,500 square meters, the property is the largest private lakeside property and a one-off in Zug. The luxury villa with an asking price of around 50 million francs has been on the market since the end of June. Due to its splendor and location, it is already being referred to as the “Zug Mar-a-Lago”, alluding to Donald Trump’s famous estate in Florida. According to estate agent Robert Ferfecki, the buyer of this villa is considered the “King of Zug”.

    City with strategic interest
    The deadline for bids has now expired and the city of Zug is officially one of the contenders. City councillor and finance director Urs Raschle confirmed that the owner family had already contacted the city in the spring. The promise of an offer by the end of September was kept, although details of the amount remain secret.

    Personal approach as a trump card
    Raschle has gone one step further than just making a bid. He has written a personal letter to the owner family. Although contact is generally made via the estate agents, this letter is intended to emphasize the importance of the purchase project. Raschle emphasizes that even the Zug parliament has instructed the city council to examine the purchase. An emphatic message intended to convey credibility and negotiating strength.

    Future prospects for Zug
    A property acquisition of this magnitude could give new impetus to the public space. There are plans to expand the Seebad and Theater Casino. Projects that would bring added social and cultural value to the city. The decision on the purchase will be groundbreaking for the future development of Lake Zug and offers Zug the opportunity to make a statement as a modern and innovative location.

  • Acquisition of land in Meggen

    Acquisition of land in Meggen

    The acquired plot on Neueggweg is practically undeveloped and, according to the zoning plan, is in residential zone C. The location is quiet, yet well developed, an advantage for future residents. According to the current planning status, Mobimo will realise a condominium development with around 70 residential units on the site. The project volume amounts to around CHF 120 million. The start of construction is dependent on a mandatory design plan obligation. Completion of the development is scheduled for the end of 2032.

    Development pipeline and market environment
    With the purchase of the site, the company is substantially expanding its development pipeline for the coming years. Demand for residential property in good locations around Lucerne remains consistently high. The municipality of Meggen is one of the most sought-after residential locations in Central Switzerland and, in addition to its proximity to the city of Lucerne, scores highly for its attractive location and quality of life. Lake Lucerne, the local recreational area around Meggen and the municipal infrastructure further strengthen the location.

    Project objectives and outlook
    The new development not only offers new living space, but also provides urban development opportunities thanks to the design plan. The process gives architectural firms the opportunity to contribute innovative housing solutions and modern, needs-orientated spatial concepts. The planning takes into account both the desire for attractive green spaces and the requirements for residential density and sustainability.

    Several planning steps are still required before the planned completion at the end of 2032. The exact start of construction depends on the development and finalisation of the design plan. The occupancy date will be communicated promptly based on the official procedures and marketing.

    The project in Meggen will create new living space, further develop the location and expand the company’s commitment to attractive, sustainable living in Central Switzerland.

  • Planned stock market listing to strengthen market presence

    Planned stock market listing to strengthen market presence

    The fund management company of Swiss Prime Site Solutions AG(SSPS), an asset manager for real estate solutions based in Zug, is considering listing the SPSS Investment Fund Commercial(SPSS IFC) on the SIX Swiss Exchange, according to a press release. According to the company, the SPSS IFC invests with a focus on commercial real estate in economically established locations throughout Switzerland. The company plans to list by the end of 2025, thereby strengthening its market presence, opening up access to new investors and promoting the fund’s liquidity in the long term. The listing will be accompanied by Zürcher Kantonalbank as sole lead manager.

    According to the press release, the listing is subject to market conditions, approval of the amendments to the fund contract by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority(FINMA) and approval of the listing application by the SIX Swiss Exchange. The SPSS IFC will be open to all investors once the amendments to the fund contract have been approved as a public fund. Until then, it will only be accessible to qualified investors. On the SIX Swiss Exchange, the fund is to be included in the SXI Real Estate Broad and SXI Real Estate Funds Broad indices in future.

    In the run-up to the planned listing, the company has already been able to expand its portfolio and thus prepare for the further development of the fund. “With the funds from the last capital increase, we have optimally expanded the portfolio with two attractive light industrial properties, sustainably strengthened the equity base and consistently aligned the product with the requirements of a stock exchange listing,” says Maximilian Hoffmann, CIO Funds at SPSS.

  • New paving blocks reduce CO2 emissions in construction

    New paving blocks reduce CO2 emissions in construction

    CREABETON, a building materials company based in the canton of Lucerne and a subsidiary of Müller-Steinag Baustoff AG, has developed a new series of cement-free paving blocks in collaboration with the start-up Oxara. According to a press release, the new concrete blocks produce 30 percent less CO2 emissions than conventional paving blocks.

    The new product is available in three variants. In addition to the standard paving block version, water-permeable or grass paving blocks can also be laid. Instead of conventional cement, the material uses the Oulesse binder developed by Oxara, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH).

    “With these products, we are responding to the growing demand for climate-friendly construction solutions,” said Hendrix Müller, CEO of the Müller-Steinag Group, in the press release. “Our collaboration with Oxara enables us to offer our customers more sustainable alternatives – today, not in a few years’ time.” Martin Bodmer, Head of Operations at Oxara, is convinced that the collaboration with CREABETON can scale up his company’s sustainable developments.

  • JuCoin opens European headquarters in Baar

    JuCoin opens European headquarters in Baar

    By the end of 2025, JuCoin plans to expand the current nine-strong team in Baar to 100 employees, with space for up to 400 employees in total. The focus is on recruiting local talent to ensure both cultural proximity and a deep understanding of the market. The location will be led by CEO Kenny Dan and COO Hugo Teo, who bring extensive experience in the fintech and cryptocurrency sector.

    Setting the regulatory course
    A key objective is to obtain the MiCA license, which ensures compliance with EU regulations and enables the legal acceptance of clients throughout the EU. In this way, the company aims to create a secure, compliant and trustworthy trading environment for the European market.

    Broad-based ecosystem
    With the new location, the company is bringing its extensive service and product portfolio to Europe. This includes the blockchain infrastructure JuChain, the social platform JuChat, the entertainment platform JuGame and the hardware solution JuOne. The company is already active in over 30 countries worldwide and serves more than 12 million users.

    Significance for Crypto Valley
    The move underscores Switzerland’s role as a global innovation hub in the field of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Baar is thus not only gaining a new employer with international appeal, but also an impetus for the further development of Crypto Valley as a leading competence center for digital financial technologies.

  • Think circularly, build together

    Think circularly, build together

    The Circular Time Lab at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts brings together theory and practice, design and craftsmanship, teaching and urban development. It is an interdisciplinary project of the Competence Centre Typology & Planning in Architecture and the architecture degree programme at HSLU. Together with students from timber construction companies in the region, the students develop structures that are not only architecturally appealing but also fully reusable.

    The focus is on learning and designing together. The students gain an insight into manual processes and technical possibilities, while the trainees participate in design processes. The result is a deep understanding of resource-conserving construction that closes cycles and preserves material value.

    Experience architecture – in the centre of Lucerne
    Since June 2025, the results of this collaboration can be experienced at two central locations in the canton of Lucerne, on the Inseli near the railway station and at the Viscosi site in Emmenbrücke. There, airy wooden structures with colourful fabrics invite you to linger, observe and pause. They offer protection from the sun and rain and at the same time inspire reflection.

    The structures are more than just aesthetic interventions in the urban space. They are built statements in favour of a building culture that takes responsibility. Their open design invites people to engage in dialogue and makes sustainability visible and tangible. The “Lucerne Summer” thus becomes a field of experimentation for an architecture that aims for impact rather than permanence.

    Circularity instead of deconstruction
    Reuse is at the centre of the Circular Time Lab. The wooden pavilions are not designed as one-off buildings, but as temporary structures with a future. Existing timber components were used for the initial construction. All connections are detachable and all dimensions are retained. The pavilion will be dismantled in autumn 2025 and a new pavilion with a new function will be built from the same elements in 2026.

    This iterative approach not only conserves resources, but also trains planning thinking. After all, circular construction requires creativity and precision. How does an old beam fit into a new design? How do you create beauty without waste? These questions accompany the participants of the Circular Time Lab throughout the entire process and strengthen their skills for the sustainable construction of tomorrow.

    Part of an international network
    The Lucerne project is embedded in the European research programme BAUHALPS, Building Circular in the Alps. in this programme, 13 partner institutions from six countries are jointly developing new strategies for circular construction in the Alpine region. The Circular Time Lab serves as a living real-world laboratory. A place for experimentation, exchange and applied research.

    The cooperation not only opens up new perspectives for students and trainees, but also international networks. In this way, a local timber construction project becomes a building block for transnational change, an impulse that radiates far beyond Lucerne.

    The future begins on a small scale
    The timber structures of the Lucerne Summer may seem small at first glance. But they harbour big ideas: collaboration, circular economy, education and responsibility. The Circular Time Lab shows how sustainable construction can be anchored in education and made visible in public spaces. Because if you want to reuse materials, you first have to rethink ideas.

  • Alpine solar plant for Central Switzerland being built in Spiringen

    Alpine solar plant for Central Switzerland being built in Spiringen

    APV Sidenplangg AG, a partner plant of the Uri-based energy service provider energieUri AG from Altdorf and the green electricity producer aventron AG from Münchenstein BL, are building the first alpine solar plant in Central Switzerland, as detailed in a press release. The plant is located in the Sidenplangg area above the village of Spiringen in the Schächental valley in Uri.

    The alpine photovoltaic plant covers an area of 10.7 hectares at an altitude of 1800 to 2000 metres above sea level. The energy is fed into the grid via an existing transformer station. The plant will have an output of 8 megawatts and will generate 12.5 gigawatt hours of renewable solar power per year from 2029. The investment costs amount to CHF 40 million, of which CHF 31 million will remain in the form of contracts for regional companies in the canton of Uri, according to the press release.

    According to the press release, projects under the national Solar Express Initiative are essential for the security and independence of Switzerland’s electricity supply. Switzerland is particularly dependent on the expansion of its winter electricity production. The altitude and production profile make alpine solar plants such as the one in Spiringen particularly suitable for winter electricity production, as they generate three times as much electricity in the winter months as their counterparts in the lowlands.

    “We are delighted to be realising the first alpine solar plant in Central Switzerland together with our partner energieUri. This project underlines the successful cooperation between the Central Plateau and the mountain cantons as well as the joint commitment to renewable Swiss energy production,” said Dominik Baier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of aventron AG.

  • Zug city parliament supports Metalli development plan

    Zug city parliament supports Metalli development plan

    The Metalli development plan has entered the political approval process, the Zug Estates Group announced in a press release. The property company, which focuses on Zug as a business and living space, is planning to develop the existing shopping avenue into a lively district. The aim is to create additional living space and new green public outdoor areas.

    The city council of Zug had already approved the Metalli development plan on 8 April. On 17 June, the development plan was also approved in the first instance by the Zug City Council. The plans will now go out for public consultation before returning to the Grand Municipal Council for a second reading in spring 2026. Zug Estates can then initiate the actual planning process with an architectural competition.

    The Metalli development plan envisages the creation of 160 new flats, 130 of which will be in addition to the existing housing supply. To this end, extensions to existing buildings and a new tower block are planned. A new square with a connection to the railway station site will serve as the entrance to Metalli. Zug Estates also wants to create a public and park-like roof terrace.

    “With the Metalli Living Space project, we are picking up on proven qualities and preserving the characteristic architecture of the Metalli with its glass roofs, arcades and typical materialisation,” Peter Wicki, Head of Project Development at Zug Estates, is quoted as saying in the press release. “Thanks to the targeted upgrading and modernisation of the infrastructure and the increased attractiveness of the shopping avenue, the Metalli living space is also an opportunity for the preservation and further development of retail and gastronomy.”

  • Monument becomes a home with history

    Monument becomes a home with history

    It only took nine months to turn the listed Gütsch farmhouse in Lauerz SZ into a modern detached house. Strüby now reports on this in a press release. The company was commissioned to carry out the extensive conversion and renovation work. Strüby was able to contribute its strength and experience in dealing with listed buildings in project development, architecture, engineering and implementation.

    The early, close, constructive and solution-oriented collaboration with the cantonal monument preservation authority and its head Monika Twerenbold proved its worth, “so that the result was extremely satisfactory for everyone involved,” Kilian Boog, Head of the Conversion division at Strüby Unternehmungen, is quoted as saying.

    A lot has been done on the outside and inside, with the late medieval block building from 1492/93 “largely retaining its original character”. In combination with modern elements, an architectural “jewel” has been created that is “full of history and stories and fascinates with its symbiosis of old and new”.

    The wooden cladding, roof and windows were renewed. The outer shell was given an energy-efficient refurbishment, while the heating technology inside was switched to an energy-efficient heat pump and photovoltaics. When planning the rooms, emphasis was placed on highlighting existing “handcrafted details, interesting signs of use, religious symbols to protect against evil spirits and decorative elements”. The floor plan and room heights remained unchanged.

  • Business opportunities in the Uri valley floor

    Business opportunities in the Uri valley floor

    Werkmatt Uri is one of the last large land reserves in the Uri valley floor. The first industrial uses with a direct railway connection were already established here during the First World War. The listed grain stores designed by architects Eduard Züblin and Robert Maillart in 1912/13 are particularly characteristic. These buildings will be preserved as landmarks and converted into an exhibition centre and art warehouse. The canton is investing in infrastructure to further develop the area between the new Altdorf cantonal railway station and the future Altdorf South motorway junction.

    Optimum location and economic impetus
    Uri is strategically located on the most important European north-south axis with the Gotthard Base Tunnel and the A2 motorway. The immediate proximity to the Altdorf intercity railway station and a modern bus concept promote the accessibility of Werkmatt. The improved accessibility provides impetus for economic and residential projects. With “Vena”, “Cubo” and “Strickermatte”, private investors have realised modern residential developments within walking distance.

    Development with vision
    Kässbohrer Schweiz AG has already recognised the added value of Werkmatt and relocated its headquarters to Altdorf in 2019. The new service building has created 30 qualified jobs in the areas of administration, sales, service, training, final assembly and production of special vehicles, mainly snow groomers. Werkmatt AG is also developing an innovative utilisation concept for building plots 9 and 13. The plans include a multifunctional centre with a business hotel with 80 rooms, co-working spaces, commercial and cultural spaces, restaurants and fitness and recreation areas.

    Targeted planning for sustainable growth
    As the owner, the canton of Uri is striving for a win-win situation with the future owners, users and investors in the area. The plots are to be sold and built on gradually over the next few years. The canton is developing the Werkmatt Uri site in a coordinated manner so that sustainable economic uses are created in the interests of the region as a whole. To this end, it is drawing up guidelines – including those relating to workplace density. The neighbourhood design plan serves as a planning instrument for investors and companies wishing to build on the site, which is binding on the owner and defines the parcel of land. It sets guidelines regarding utilisation, design and infrastructure.

    Success through co-operation
    Werkmatt Uri is an example of coordinated and sustainable site development. Companies benefit from a committed administration, short decision-making processes and needs-orientated solutions. The region expects the project to provide long-term economic impetus and create more than 1,000 jobs.
    Werkmatt Uri is therefore much more than just an industrial area, it is an economic driver and an attractive location for forward-looking companies.