Councillor Daniel Preisig gave an overview of Schaffhausen’s economic development in recent decades. After the industrial crisis and stagnation in the 1990s, Schaffhausen has recovered thanks to targeted economic development. in 2023, the population record of 1969 was reached again for the first time. Preisig emphasised how projects such as the conversion of the old steel foundry and the relocation of roads to create traffic-free promenades along the banks of the Rhine contributed to the city’s attractiveness. Schaffhausen is continuously investing in smart, future-orientated urban development and digital administration.
Dino Tamagni highlighted the impressive economic development of the canton of Schaffhausen. The region’s industrial success story began with the construction of the Moser Dam in the 19th century. The hydroelectric power plant, once the largest of its kind in Switzerland, laid the foundations for the establishment of important industrial pioneers such as Georg Fischer, SIG and IWC, which turned Schaffhausen into a central industrial centre.
In the 1990s, globalisation led to plant closures, job losses and emigration, resulting in the loss of 11% of jobs. However, targeted economic measures, such as the creation of an economic development agency, enabled Schaffhausen to overcome the challenges and regain its competitiveness.
Today, the canton has one of the strongest economies in Switzerland, with the highest GDP per capita. Thanks to the promotion of innovation projects and the continuous expansion of the infrastructure, Schaffhausen remains an attractive and future-orientated business location.
Andreas Campi, Head of Development, Halter AG, presented the “Im Pantli” residential project in the Waldquartier Schaffhausen. A modern residential neighbourhood is being built on the site, which was once used as a workers’ housing estate by Georg Fischer AG. The buildings are arranged around a neighbourhood centre to create urban alleyways and meeting spaces. The car-free development offers spacious, family-friendly flats with private outdoor areas. Childcare facilities and a dedicated bus stop enhance the quality of the location. The project not only promotes modern living, but also a lively community life.
Pascal Stutz, CEO of SVIT Zurich, Joëlle Zimmerli, Managing Director of Zimraum GmbH and Christian Brütsch, Owner and Managing Director of Stratcraft GmbH, presented solutions to the shortage of skilled labour. A key challenge facing the property sector is the shortage of skilled workers and dissatisfaction among experienced professionals. Around 60 % of the senior professionals surveyed feel that their workload is too high, and over 50 % see large portfolios as problematic. The study presented highlighted the need for action and suggested solutions such as the standardisation of processes, intelligent digitalisation and the promotion of leadership skills in order to better overcome the challenges.
Tindaro Milone presented a comparison of energy sources for heat pumps at the immoTable. EKZ operates over 1,200 energy systems across Switzerland and favours sustainable solutions. Air is cost-effective, but less powerful. Geothermal energy offers stable energy, but is expensive and location-dependent. Groundwater is efficient, but requires strict authorisations. Waste water provides a lot of energy, but is irregularly available. Seawater is particularly efficient, but expensive and tied to bodies of water. The choice of energy source depends on the project requirements, with EKZ offering customised solutions. We look forward to welcoming you to the next immoTable in Zug, where the focus will once again be on exciting topics and pioneering developments in the property sector. Join us as experts discuss the future of Zug as a property location and the latest innovations in the sector.
Further information on the event and future dates can be found at www.immotable.ch
