The train and bus connections in southern central Switzerland are bundled in the new cantonal train station in Altdorf. New train stops and additional connections significantly increase the potential for skilled workers. Knowledge-based service providers on the north-south axis benefit from direct access to the labor markets of the Greater Zurich Area and the greater Milan area and encounter technologies in the sectors of precision technology, alpine technology, traffic and safety technology and environmental technologies. With foresight, the canton of Uri has secured development areas on the Werkmatt Uri, which it is handing over exclusively for high-quality jobs at attractive conditions. With the new building of the Urner Kantonalbank directly on the edge of the platform of the new cantonal railway station, a working environment with offices ready for occupancy is offered. The German IT company Essendi IT recently opened its new Swiss headquarters at Bahnhofplatz.
The canton of Uri is also a fantastic living and leisure area with its lake landscape (water sports and sailing), the mountains and rivers (outdoor, climbing, hiking, Resort Andermatt), an authentic, unaffected area of experience with the primeval history and tradition of Switzerland . This creates inspiration for new business ideas.
Two commercial buildings have already been realized in the Grund area of the former NEAT construction site. Other projects are taking shape and spreading a spirit of optimism from Amsteg via Silenen to Bristen. Andermatt has the tourism resort, Altdorf is proud of the canton train station. In order to put the entire canton and all regions in the best light, more lighthouses are needed, according to Silener mayor Hermann Epp: “From 1999 to 2016, AlpTransit Gotthard used this area between Gotthardstrasse and Reuss as an installation site for the construction of the Neat base tunnels. Now we want to work with partners and investors to realize new opportunities for business, leisure, living and tourism on the ground that has been freed up,” says Epp.
In addition to the work yard of a construction company, several projects from the comprehensive plans for the site have already been put into operation. The regional medical and sports center including the restaurant is particularly important to the community. Uri still has the lowest density of doctors in Switzerland. There are also signs of an aging of the population of Uri. The need for medical services is increasing. On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly difficult to persuade young doctors to run a practice in a mountain canton. It turns out that group practices with the possibility of part-time work and flexible participation options meet a need of young doctors. The medical center is therefore well suited to ensure and increase the family doctor care for the municipality of Silenen and the middle and upper Reusstal in the long term and sustainably. An open day will take place on August 13, 2022.
More information: www.silenen.ch www.az-silenen.ch www.grundimmobilienag.ch
The Canton of Uri and the municipality of Altdorf are opening up new business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors in the Werkmatt Uri Land. Industrial, commercial and service companies will find flexible options here. More than 1,000 value-added jobs are to be created here in the future.
Sustainable economic development As the owner, the Canton of Uri is striving for a win-win situation with future investors, owners and users in the area. The public sector therefore invested a double-digit million amount in the area between the future cantonal railway station and the new Altdorf Süd half-way junction. The plots of land can be purchased or acquired with building rights.
The first plots have already been sold and the first development stage has been completed. In the next few years, further building plots are to be sold step by step and built on. The canton is developing the Werkmatt Uri area in a coordinated manner so that sustainable economic uses are created in the overall regional interest. The district design plan serves investors and companies willing to build as an owner-binding, plot-specific planning instrument. It sets guidelines in terms of use, design, infrastructure and, in particular, job density.
Noticeable increasing interest Interest in the Werkmatt Uri has increased again with the opening of the cantonal railway station in December 2021. The two listed buildings, the “Sackmagazin” by the architect Robert Maillart and the “Silomagazin” by the architect Eduard Züblin, have already been sold. Exciting collections of art objects can now be found where the federal government used to stack grain sacks for emergencies. Kässbohrer Schweiz AG, a manufacturer of off-road vehicles, is the first company to buy a plot of land and build on it. Other exciting projects are being planned – as the following articles in this magazine illustrate.
The new and modern building extends along the Gründligasse and the Allenwindenweg, which is precisely and subtly integrated into the existing environment. On behalf of TMA Immobilien AG, hts architekten + partner ag from Altdorf have realized a dense yet small-scale development that creates modern living space, new alleys, squares and open spaces that are both private and public and can be used and played individually. Intermediate spaces allow views of the surroundings and views of the surrounding mountains. The identity-forming element of the Almausa walls, typical of Altdorf, was included in several places. It accompanies you through the whole district.
The differentiated range of apartments, consisting of terraced single-family houses, semi-detached single-family houses and small multi-family houses, generates a good mix of residents of different age groups. A total of 51 new residential units (apartments and maisonettes) were built. At the end of the construction work, the barn on Trögligasse will be converted into a single-family home. Despite the different building volumes and the elongated and winding plot situation, the superstructure convinces with a uniform appearance. The houses, built in solid construction, meet increased energy requirements and are connected to the district heating network. The beige brushed plaster and the perforated sheet metal serving as privacy and fall protection give the facade of the new housing estate a special character.
While the external appearance was defined by the district design plan, the interior design was carried out individually according to the buyer’s wishes. All residential units have a private outdoor space and they all share the park in the center of the quarter. Great importance was attached to a natural environment designed with native plants. In the public park, all paths and squares were designed with unpaved materials in order to leave as much space as possible for nature. Tall trees offer natural shade and invite you to stay.
Apart from the seven terraced single-family houses along Gründligasse, all residential units have their parking spaces in 2 garages. As a result, there is as little additional traffic in the district as possible, and a lot of outdoor space can be offered. The car-free lanes and squares invite the children of the development and the surrounding districts to play outside carefree.
A new urban quarter is being created in Altdorf with the “Untere Turmmatt” residential development. Eight multi-family houses with 108 apartments are to be carefully integrated into the townscape via the height gradation and form the transition from the residential area to the industrial area.
A new park-like inner courtyard with native trees and grass is being created between the apartment buildings as a meeting zone. Playgrounds, alleyways, lounge areas and seating invite residents to linger and promote exchange within the development.
The clearly structured facade of the residential development has a homely character thanks to details such as rounded edges, textile plaster and French windows. Intensive green roof gardens are being created on the roofs of the superstructure.
The residential development is to be built in three stages. The first stage is currently being completed. It comprises four apartment buildings with a total of 64 residential units, consisting of storey, attic and maisonette apartments. The apartments vary in size from 3.5 to 6.5 rooms. All apartments have a weather-protected private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or loggia. Some apartments also have direct access to the roof gardens. In March 2022, the first 20 apartments were handed over to their buyers. The next 15 apartments will follow in June and another 11 in October. The remaining apartments should be ready for occupancy in April 2023.
The second construction phase is in preparation. It comprises two apartment buildings, one of which will be used for rent. The start of construction of the second phase is planned for autumn 2022. The third construction phase with another two apartment buildings is planned for 2024 and 2025.
The new district is accessed via Fabrikstrasse and via pedestrian paths from Hellgasse and Turmmattweg. The apartment buildings are directly connected to the underground car parks. There are public transport stops near the building.
The canton of Uri is building a new regional hospital that will serve as a model. After three years of construction, the new Cantonal Hospital Uri (KSU) will open in June 2022. Uri thus sets a record: The new hospital is the largest building construction project that the canton has ever implemented as a builder. The hospital in the main town of Altdorf is a generational work that will secure and improve the health care of the population for years to come. From the architecture to the design to the execution: the new building of the KSU is geared towards the current and future needs of the canton of Uri. “With this investment, we are securing basic medical care in Uri for future generations. The workers on the construction site worked very hard. Thanks to their commitment, difficulties such as the corona pandemic could be overcome on the construction site. In addition, regular hospital operations were able to continue unhindered,” says government councilor Roger Nager.
New shell, new interior Thanks to the investment, the cantonal hospital in Uri can play its role as a medical competence center in the future. The KSU will gain in medical treatment: In the future, patients will have short distances, comfortable rooms, more privacy, modern examination rooms and good service. The team from Darlington Meier Architects, Zurich, has succeeded in creating a compact, independent and stylish building. The new building is surrounded by a large hospital park. The building carefully creates a new, strong identity. In this way, visitors or patients can find their way around quickly and easily. This is achieved through the careful use of material, light and colour. You can see daylight everywhere in the new building, even in the operating theaters you can see the imposing mountains of Uri. As an important base, the KSU also ensures emergency care along the north-south axis for people who do not live in Uri.
Huge public support On September 24, 2017, 85.5 percent of the Uri voters approved the construction loan for the conversion and new construction of the cantonal hospital. Roger Nager is convinced: “The patients and the approximately 600 employees of the cantonal hospital will feel comfortable in the new building”.
Shortly before the first lockdown in February 2020, the Institute for Alpine Cultures was officially opened. After several years of competitive selection procedures, an important beacon of the Uri government began to shine. With the new institute, university research was stationed in the canton itself for the first time in the history of Uri. A university institution was deliberately chosen because it guarantees every level of university qualification through to doctorate and habilitation thanks to the connection to the University of Lucerne.
The institute concentrates thematically on the entire arc of the Alps from Nice via Innsbruck to Ljubljana with a special anchoring in the Gotthard region. In this way, economic and social developments can be observed not only as a special case, but also in comparison. The aim is to learn from history in order to develop the best future scenarios. So it’s not just about navel gazing, but about a panoramic view in the middle of Switzerland, in the middle of Europe.
The canton has made the best choice with its cultural-historical anchoring: in dialogue with the local population, with economic and political decision-makers, the advantages of the region are specifically determined and further developed, which with the focus on the Alps are no longer on the supposed periphery, but in the epicenter of new developments. In view of the challenges in tourism, alpine and energy management, the institute has now found a reliable partner who guarantees scientific and objectivity.
It goes without saying that the Institute is not an ivory tower. On the contrary: the exchange between expert knowledge and experience is what really drives the institute’s work. As a result, cultural historians, legal scholars, energy economists, political scientists, philosophers, archaeologists – the list is not final – not only face a constant exchange between the disciplines, but also revise and specialize their theses thanks to local cooperation.
Showcases for this work are regular events and excursions – be it to the Urner Boden or to the Steingletscher – under expert guidance from all over Switzerland. And more and more commissioned studies end up in the Altdorf office, which, thanks to the institute’s unique network of experts from Germany and abroad, meet the highest scientific standards. The message has long since reached the research community: the lighthouse is shining.
In 2019, Christoph J. Hürlimann from the canton of Uri bought the former “Sackmagazin” by architect Robert Maillart on the Werkmatt site in Uri. Hürlimann, who founded the “Art Depot” foundation based in Göschenen with his family, previously owned the neighboring “Silomagazin” by the architect Eduard Züblin.
At a media briefing together with Uri’s director of economics, Urban Camenzind Christoph Hürlimann gave an insight into his plans after his purchase in 2019: “My vision is to build an art path in Uri. This should begin at the Haus für Kunst Uri in Altdorf, continue to the Altdorf art silo and art depot in Werkmatt Uri, via the Göschenen art depot and end in the Sasso San Gottardo Museum on the Gotthard Pass. With the purchase of the former sack magazine, this vision has come a little closer.» Camenzind was also pleased with the sale: “The purchase of the building by Christoph Hürlimann is a stroke of luck for the canton of Uri.”
Hürlimann now uses the two listed buildings on the Werkmatt site to store and exhibit various collections of art objects. In recent years he has developed the two historic buildings into a meeting place for cultural, artistic and social uses. This change of use enhances both the two historically significant buildings and the entire area. A lot of work was required to prepare the former sack magazine for its new use: “We had to carry out a variety of work: expand the stairwell as an escape route, retrofit electrical installations, install many partitions, do various painting work, make security installations, attach burglary protection,” says Hürlimann .
The Werkmatt Uri in the Eyschachen area southwest of the Altdorf train station is one of the last large land reserves in the Uri valley floor. The 12 hectare area is located between the railway tracks and the A2 Gotthard motorway. More than 100 years ago, the first uses that required a direct rail connection were created there: the most prominent examples are the two federal grain stores built in 1912 and 1913 by the architects Eduard Züblin and Robert Maillart.
The event was opened by Landammann and Economics Director Urban Camenzind. In his speech, he explained the positive development of the past few years: “A lot is being invested in a very small area, and private and public investments are mutually beneficial. Examples of this are the development around the new cantonal railway station in Altdorf or the tourism development in Andermatt,” says Camenzind.
In the following presentation, Christoph Bugnon, Chairman of the Board of Management of Urner Kantonalbank, discussed the important contribution that the company is making with the new service building to the development around the cantonal railway station. Raphael Krucker, CEO of Andermatt Swiss Alps, portrayed tourism development in Andermatt in his presentation.
Finally, Mario Epp, Uri Business Development Agency, explained the advantages of the Uri economic area: «We have an optimal cost environment, short distances to the decision-makers and are excellently developed, directly on the European north-south axis. In short: the canton of Uri offers the best conditions for entrepreneurial success.»
The subsequent network aperitif with the construction and real estate industry rounded off the event. The current issue of our magazine «immo!invest» is linked to the event. It aims to show the positive developments in the canton of Uri and to get people interested in Uri as a location.
We look back with satisfaction on the 92nd immoTable Uri. It was a successful event and we would like to thank all participants. Thanks also go to Monika Schärer for the great moderation and our speakers Urban Camenzind, Christoph Bugnon, Raphael Krucker and Mario Epp for the interesting and stimulating presentations. A big thank you also to our partners Canton Uri, Urner Kantonalbank, eSMART and PropTechMarket.
On June 16, 2022, the 93rd immoTable Zurich Airport Region will continue in the Eventalm in Rümlang. This will be followed by the 94th immoTable Suisse Romandie on October 6th, 2022 in Lausanne and the 95th immoTable Basel on November 24th, 2022.
The future of energy in Switzerland is an ongoing topic. Local, sustainable and CO2-free energy solutions are a recipe for more independence without neglecting the agreed climate targets. With its integrated overall energy solutions, SmartEnergy for short, EWA-energieUri offers a clever solution for the individual energy transition. Specifically, the following is behind SmartEnergy: Produce and store electricity yourself with a photovoltaic system, sustainable heat and cold production, charging solutions for electromobility, measure and visualize the consumption of electricity, heat, cold and water with SmartMeters – everything is networked and optimized with one intelligent control.
Great added value for owners EWA-energieUri is currently implementing such an integrated overall energy solution for the “Plätzli” development in Altdorf. The project in the middle of Altdorf’s village center comprises two buildings with a total of 24 apartments. Part of the energy required in the future will be produced with a photovoltaic system. All homeowners benefit from this. The electricity produced with solar power can be used, for example, to charge electric cars or to air-condition the premises. An intelligent control also connects all systems and optimizes them. In this way, the required electricity is always available when it is needed. Since the residual electricity also comes from renewable, local URstrom from Uri hydropower, the integrated overall energy solutions from EWA-energieUri are 100 percent CO2-free.
Benefit from the local heating network The “Plätzli” project in Altdorf demonstrates another major advantage of integrated total energy solutions: the sustainable technologies can easily be expanded for other properties. Five existing buildings in the neighborhood also benefit from the two newly installed heat pumps in the “Plätzli” as part of the local heating network. They can say goodbye to their previous oil heating systems and significantly increase the energy balance of their properties. This option represents great added value, especially for owners of older properties. They can easily and simply benefit from sustainable solutions and at the same time help to take another step towards a renewable energy future.
Best location directly on the European north-south axis The most direct connection between Europe’s south and north has always been through Uri, but no later than the construction of the legendary Devil’s Bridge in 1230. Since the opening of the Gotthard railway tunnel in 1882, fast transport of people and goods has also been guaranteed by rail. And in 2016, a new work of the century went into operation with the Gotthard base tunnel: since then, Uri has been connected to the south by the longest railway tunnel in the world (57 km).
With the commissioning of the cantonal train station in Altdorf in 2021, the south and north moved even closer to Uri: Lugano can now be easily reached in 50 minutes, Milan in two hours and Zurich in one hour with direct connections.
The central location of the Uri site with advantageous connections at a glance.
Optimal cost environment Uri not only impresses with its advantageous location, but also with an attractive cost environment. On the one hand, the Gotthard canton combines several financial advantages for the benefit of the resident population: the tax burden, health insurance premiums and housing costs are relatively low. The proportion of properties with at least four rooms that can be afforded with a household income of CHF 134,000 is 31 percent on average in Switzerland in 2021. In Uri, this value is 40 to 50 percent. This underlines the attractive real estate prices in Uri. At the same time, the tax deduction options for families are well above the Swiss average. In this way, the people of Uri can freely dispose of around 50 percent of every franc they earn in Uri. In terms of disposable income and the financial attractiveness of living, the canton of Uri is among the clear leaders in Switzerland.
In the same way, companies also benefit from relatively inexpensive land and real estate prices. But Uri also outperforms many cantons in corporate tax competition. Because the Gotthard canton has had a flat rate tax for years – for both natural and legal persons. The low corporate taxes are particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized companies. The profit tax is around 12.6 percent and the capital tax is 0.001 percent (cantonal and municipal taxes in the municipality of Altdorf). Both in the Swiss and in the international comparison, Uri thus occupies an absolute top position!
Fast and reliable realization of business ideas Decision-makers and reliable partners in authorities, business and society can be reached quickly in Uri. After all, a small canton also means short distances. The small size also means tailor-made solutions, so that business ideas can be implemented pragmatically. In addition, Uri can boast of committed and effective employees who are characterized by loyalty and a high degree of identification with the employer.
Uniquely simple combination of work and leisure Kayaking before starting work? Cross-country skiing during the lunch break? Short hike in the evening with the family? Embedded in an attractive mountain and lake landscape, the canton of Uri with its local recreation areas makes this unique combination of work and leisure possible. In Uri there is energy and quality of life – discover this added value at work, after work and on days off.
Good things are so close: a unique combination of free time and work in the canton of Uri. (Image: Angel Sanchez)
Numerous investments in a small space A lot is currently being built in the canton of Uri. Hardly any other place invests so much in such a small space. This results in significant impulses that contribute to the noticeable spirit of optimism in the canton of Uri. The development of the Uri housing market is exemplary for this. In the last 10 years it has grown by almost 3,000 new apartments – that means a remarkable increase of 16 percent.
The resident population of Uri, which has stagnated in recent decades, has also been growing significantly again for several years. All of this underscores the attractive framework conditions, but is also thanks to the well-known investments in the Uri location.
Promotion to the tourist champions league Tourism development in Andermatt in particular has contributed to this growth. Due to the partial withdrawal of the military, the mountain community was faced with major challenges. Egyptian investor Samih Sawiris brought the turning point. Since 2009 he has invested more than CHF 1.3 billion together with fellow investors, thereby catapulting Andermatt into the tourism champions league. CHF 130 million went into the modernization and expansion of the winter and summer sports facilities. Further investments were made in an ecologically operated 18-hole golf course and in a multifunctional concert hall for brilliant music experiences as well as conferences and exhibitions. With Andermatt Reuss, a completely new part of the village was created with hotels, apartment buildings, restaurants and businesses and its own village square, the Piazza Gottardo.
With more than 1000 employees, Andermatt Swiss Alps AG, which operates the tourist resort, is now the largest employer in Uri. Andermatt is an up-and-coming and attractive tourist destination. Further investments are already planned: on the one hand, the new village part of Andermatt Reuss will be expanded in stages by another 18,000 m2. On the other hand, Vail Ski Resorts will take over the majority of the mountain railway infrastructure in Andermatt and plans further investments of over CHF 100 million.
Newly created part of the Andermatt Reuss village with a view of the «Piazza Gottardo». (Image: Andermatt Swiss Alps)
More mobility and attractiveness in the Uri valley floor Despite the impressive development in the mountain village of Andermatt and its importance for Uri as a business location: around 80 percent of the population of Uri live in the valley floor, where most of the service, industrial and commercial companies are concentrated. This area has undergone substantial changes in recent years. With the development focus of the Urner valley floor around the cantonal train station in Altdorf, Uri is tackling a project for generations: Here, sustainable uses are created in the overall regional interest and the corresponding economic, settlement and transport infrastructures are carefully coordinated.
An important milestone was reached in December 2021 with the commissioning of the new cantonal railway station in Altdorf. Intercity trains now stop in Altdorf, which connects the station to the Gotthard base line. The regional and national bus concept is also geared towards the new hub. Impetus for economic and settlement projects should arise from better accessibility. The first effects are already visible: in the immediate vicinity of the train station, modern residential developments have already been realized with “Vena” and “Cubo”. Others, such as the “Strickermatt” development in the immediate vicinity of the cantonal railway station, are in the works. The Cantonal Bank of Uri is also actively involved in the development of the new Uri transport hub. With its newly erected service building at Bahnhofplatz 1, it is committed to the overall economic development of the canton and the bank itself. State-of-the-art office space has been created there in a prime location. The UKB itself claims a third as its new headquarters, and a further 3100 m2 are rented out. Exciting new companies from Germany and abroad have already settled here.
Werkmatt Uri – space for business ideas The Werkmatt Uri in Altdorf is the central piece of the puzzle for the focus of development. It is the largest contiguous land reserve in Uri. The canton of Uri, as the owner, invested millions in the area between the new canton train station and the future half-junction to the motorway. On around 120,000 m2, the area offers business opportunities for future-oriented industrial, commercial and service companies. More than 1,000 jobs are to be created on the site in the future. The aim is to develop the area in a coordinated manner so that sustainable economic uses can arise. The public sector as the provider is striving for a win-win situation with investors and the future owners and users of the area.
What the Werkmatt could look like in the future, including the Autobahn half connection.
Further promising developments are pending The canton of Uri has already implemented various generation projects, as described above. Other important development projects are pending. A new traffic hub in Göschenen is being planned. In addition to the station for trains and buses and a multi-storey car park, a cable car connection from Göschenen station to the Andermatt ski area is being planned.
In addition, there is the west-east bypass in the Urner valley floor, which will relieve the settlement areas of road traffic and thus upgrade them. In Altdorf, a new half-junction to the motorway is being built, which will open up the Urner valley floor even better. The federal government is already working on the construction of the second Gotthard road tunnel. Finally, new bike paths are being created, which should make Uri even more attractive for non-motorised traffic. In addition, investments in education and research are becoming even more important. The first approaches are already there: on the one hand with the Institute for Alpine Cultures, which is dedicated to the special features of the Alpine region – from prehistoric evidence to specific traditions to the challenges of the present. On the other hand with the Logistikum Schweiz in Altdorf, a research and innovation center for logistics and supply chain management.
Promotion of the Uri location – your effective partner Many exciting developments are underway in the canton of Uri. Location promotion is working on using this momentum in an economically sustainable manner and converting it into jobs and added value for the entire canton. How does the Uri location promotion work?
On the one hand, we make the advantages of the Gotthard canton and the exciting developments visible. Location communication and marketing takes place via the web, print, trade fair appearances and via the personal network. In particular, membership in the Greater Zurich Area is intended to ensure that the Uri location and its advantages are even better perceived. Those interested in settling, as well as existing companies and start-ups, are supported by the location promotion in consultations or during site visits or the search for building land. It is also the information and contact point of the administration for the economy of Uri. In addition, she establishes contact with the key people in business, education, innovation promotion and authorities.
Wide range of tools The Uri location promotion can fall back on a wide range of instruments to support companies. They are custom-defined for each individual case. Innovative start-ups, for example, benefit from this in the form of start-up aid. Another option is to support cross-company initiatives with the New Regional Policy (NRP), a funding instrument for rural and mountain areas. As a start-up aid or pioneer, she can help entrepreneurial initiatives to achieve a breakthrough.
With the Uri location promotion, you can count on quick, competent and binding reactions to your concerns.
Welcome to the living and business location Uri. Grab the bull by the horns with us!
Herr Camenzind, wie hat sich die Urner Standortentwicklung und Wirtschaftsförderung in den vergangenen Jahren verändert? Als ich 2012 ins Amt gekommen bin, haben wir die Ansiedlungsstrategie angepasst und sind eine Zusammenarbeit mit der Greater Zurich Area eingegangen. Das war ein wichtiger Schritt. Dann kam die Tourismusentwicklung in Andermatt dazu. Solche Entwicklungen sind wichtige Standortfaktoren und Verkaufsargumente. Man redet heute im Kanton Uri weniger über die Stausituation vor dem Gotthardtunnel sondern mehr über Andermatt. Die Entwicklung im Urner Talboden ist indes anders gelagert. Hier haben wir es in den letzten sechs, sieben Jahre vor allem mit Quartierentwicklungen zu tun gehabt. Wir als Kanton Uri besitzen im Urner Talboden auch Land, welches wir entwickeln möchten und das für Gewerbe und Industrie zum Verkauf steht. Ein weiterer wichtiger Standortfaktor ist der neue Kantonsbahnhof, an dem seit dem letzten Dezember internationale Züge halten. Bei uns ist in letzter Zeit sehr viel passiert. Diese Entwicklungen nehmen wir dankbar im Standortmarketing auf, damit wir spannende Geschichten erzählen können.
Was sind die Vor- und Nachteile der neuen Destination Andermatt und des Kantons generell? Der Vorteil von Andermatt ist ganz klar: Wir sind als Kanton Uri positiv im Gespräch. Wir können unser Image verbessern und etwas für die Ausstrahlung des ganzen Kantons tun. Alleine in Andermatt sind 1000 Arbeitsplätze neu geschaffen worden. Und das nicht etwa durch Umlagerungen oder Umstrukturierungen. Es sind Arbeitsplätze, die wir in der Art und Vielzahl bislang nicht hatten. Das ist sicher sehr positiv. Und es hilft uns wiederum auch auf anderen Gebieten, wo wir vielleicht noch schwächer aufgestellt sind. Dieser Effekt strahlt mittlerweile in die umliegenden Gemeinden aus. All das wirkt sich positiv aus – bis hinunter in den Urner Talboden um Altdorf. Die Nachteile sind gestiegene Immobilienpreise – vor allem in Andermatt. Das ist teils schwierig für die lokale Bevölkerung. Ich bin aber überzeugt, dass Andermatt und seine Bevölkerung unter dem Strich von der Tourismusentwicklung profitieren.
Wie sieht die Situation im Kantonshauptort Altdorf aus? Hier in Altdorf sind wir gut unterwegs – insbesondere dank dem neuen Verkehrsknotenpunkt in Altdorf. Dadurch ist der Kanton noch besser erschlossen. Wir haben hier gute Entwicklungen, etwa mit der Dätwyler in Schattdorf, welche unter anderem Kaffee-Kapseln für Nespresso herstellt. Die Perspektiven des Kantons Uri sind wesentlich besser als noch vor 20 Jahren. Vorher haben wir nur von Arbeitsplatzabbau der RUAG, SBB und beim Militär geredet. Das ist nicht mehr das Thema. Heute suchen die Firmen hier händeringend nach Arbeitskräften.
Wie sehen Angebot und Nachfrage auf dem Urner Immobilienmarkt aus? In Altdorf und im Urner Talboden ist in den letzten zehn Jahren so viel gebaut worden wie noch nie. Die Befürchtungen, es gebe aufgrund der Neubauten irgendwann hohe Leerstände, haben sich glücklicherweise nicht bewahrheitet. Wir haben keine hohe Leerwohnungsziffer. Es sind in den vergangenen zehn Jahren etwa 3000 Wohnungen im Kanton neu gebaut worden. Das ist für Urner Verhältnisse viel. Die Preise sind hingegen stabil geblieben und nicht unter Druck geraten. Das hat vielleicht auch damit zu tun, dass wir im Verhältnis wenig Wohnfläche pro Einwohner hatten. Bis vor zehn Jahren waren wir noch bei etwa knapp 40 Quadratmeter pro Person. Im Schweizer Schnitt sind wir mittlerweile bei 50 Quadratmeter pro Person. Da haben wir jetzt ein wenig aufgeholt. In den letzten fünf, sechs Jahren ist darüber hinaus auch ein Bevölkerungswachstum im Kanton Uri festzustellen. Dies absorbiert die Wohnungen, die gebaut werden. Der Markt funktioniert.
Wie geht es dem Gewerbestandort Uri? Eine der stärksten Branchen im Kanton Uri war schon immer die Baubranche. Das hat mit den grossen Infrastrukturprojekten zu tun: Kraftwerke, Bahngeleise, Autobahn, Tunnelbau. Das sind alles Baumeisteraufgaben. Da wird etwas gebaut, später stehen dann Sanierungen in regelmässigen Abständen an. Nehmen wir beispielsweise die Autobahn: Die Gotthardautobahn wird – mit der notwendigen Sanierung – jetzt quasi zum dritten Mal gebaut. In diesem Bereich tut sich also immer etwas. Dann ist Dätwyler mit seinen etwa 900 Angestellten in Uri ein sehr wichtiger Akteur. Die Metallverarbeitung war bei uns schon immer stark. Wir haben sehr viele mechanische Metallverarbeitungsbetriebe mit grossem Knowhow.
Wir kommen auf den Neubau der Urner Kantonalbank zu sprechen: Welche Impulse gehen davon aus? Auf den entstandenen Büroflächen konnten bereits spannende Firmen eingemietet oder angesiedelt werden, unter anderem das norwegische Software-Unternehmen Crayon. Das ist eine internationale Firma, die auch weiterwächst und erst vor wenigen Jahren in den Kanton Uri gekommen ist. Das hilft uns und dem Standort. Auch ziehen solche Erfolgsgeschichten immer weitere Ansiedlungen an. Das hat Ausstrahlung über den Standort Altdorf hinaus. Zusätzlich entstehen noch weitere Bauwerke rund um den Kantonsbahnhof wie Wohnungen und Geschäfts- und Gewerbeflächen. Es ist wichtig, dass wir am verkehrsreichsten Punkt von Uri eine weitsichtige und ausgewogene Entwicklung haben, und der Neubau der Urner Kantonalbank ist hierfür ein guter Start.
Alles in allem finden auf kleinstem Raum im Kanton Uri gerade sehr viele Investitionen statt. Die positive Aufbruchstimmung und Dynamik gilt es jetzt, gewinnbringend zugunsten des Kantons Uri zu verwenden.
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