Tag: Glarus Nord

  • Erlenpark Näfels creates new living space

    Erlenpark Näfels creates new living space

    On the 16,000 m² “Feld” site in Näfels, the municipality of Glarus Nord is realising a pioneering residential development together with FT3 Architekten AG. A total of ten apartment blocks with around 98 flats are being built in three rows of buildings. The flats are between 1½ and 5½ rooms in size and are aimed at people at all stages of life – from singles and families to senior citizens. The diverse range of apartments is intended to promote a social mix and revitalise the neighbourhood.

    Quiet inner courtyard as the centrepiece of the development
    The special geometry of the plot results in a diamond-shaped arrangement of the buildings, which enclose a green inner courtyard measuring around 6,800 m². It acts as the centre of the car-free development and offers space for people to meet and relax – protected from the noise of the surrounding traffic routes. The staggered residential buildings also provide a rhythmic structure and create architectural quality as well as optimal sunlight for the flats.

    Car-free and central access
    A central feature of the project is its consistently traffic-free design. Access and all parking facilities are bundled at a central point, keeping the entire residential area free of motorised traffic. This increases safety, creates attractive, liveable open spaces and meets the current requirements for residential and urban development.

    Signal for site development and building culture
    Municipal president Fritz Staub sees Erlenpark as a strong signal for municipal development. Shortly after the overall revision of the NUP II land use planning came into force, the project is an example of how high-quality, space-efficient residential construction projects can be realised in the canton of Glarus. The ground-breaking ceremony took place in April 2025 and the first construction phase will be completed by summer 2027, followed by the second and third phases by autumn 2028.

    Modern construction with high standards
    The planning and realisation by FT3 Architekten AG follows a clear architectural approach. Towards the street, the buildings appear closed and compact, while they open up towards the inner courtyard with generous balconies. The staggering of the storeys supports the natural lighting and gives the buildings a clear structure. Erlenpark is thus a successful example of modern, high-quality construction in the Glarus region. A project with a signal effect for site development in rural centres.

  • Mollis airfield on the upswing

    Mollis airfield on the upswing

    Parcel no. 2487 at Mollis airfield is an undeveloped plot of land with an area of over 18,000 m². As part of the new utilisation planning, it was designated as work zone A. The Glarus North municipal council has commissioned a masterplan for this area, which is being drawn up by KCAP Architects and Planners in Zurich. The focus is on aviation-related businesses in particular, which should complement the existing ecosystem in a meaningful way.

    A site with a multifaceted identity
    Mollis airfield is much more than just an airfield. It is also a business location, home to innovative aviation companies, a meeting place for dedicated aviation clubs and an important local recreation area in the Glarus region. The six companies based there today, including Rega, Heli Linth and Kopter Group AG, provide over 150 jobs and stand for technological expertise in the field of aviation and rescue. This economic profile is complemented by the active use of the site by the Mollis motorised flight group, the Glarnerland gliding group and the model flying group.

    Past as a foundation for the future
    Mollis airfield can look back on over 100 years of history. Since the first landing in 1916, the site has repeatedly been the scene of significant developments – from Walter Mittelholzer’s pioneering flights to its use by the Swiss Air Force. Today, the site is used for civilian purposes and is committed to safe, balanced and economically viable operations. The history of the airfield creates an emotional bond and is an essential part of its identity.

    Sustainable development through a clear strategy
    The common goal of the municipality of Glarus Nord and Mollis Airport AG is to drive forward the development of the site while taking economic, ecological, agricultural and public interests into account. The masterplan takes into account both infrastructural requirements and potential for events, leisure use and security of supply. The well-connected location and the special combination of aviation, industry and recreational space make the Mollis site a promising development location in the canton of Glarus.

    A location with a signal effect for the region
    The Mollis Airfield Masterplan provides a strategic basis for attracting new companies, strengthening existing structures and harmonising usage interests in the long term. The close collaboration between the municipality, owners and MAAG is a prime example of co-operative regional development. Mollis airfield is not just a place for aviation, but a future-oriented location with charisma, diversity and responsibility – far beyond the canton.

  • Glarus North mobilises building land – opportunities for investors and developers

    Glarus North mobilises building land – opportunities for investors and developers

    The municipality of Glarus North has given the go-ahead for a comprehensive mobilisation of municipal land. The focus is on sites in Filzbach and Oberurnen. This initiative follows the newly defined guidelines for the allocation of building land and properties and emphasises the municipality’s commitment to sustainable and needs-based development.

    Attractive plots on offer
    Specifically, three plots of building land in the residential zone in Filzbach are being advertised for sale. In Oberurnen, the 5,084 m² Schranerwiese in the work zone is being allocated under building rights. These plots offer a wide range of opportunities for residential and commercial projects and are therefore of interest to a broad spectrum of investors and developers.

    Transparent and structured process
    The tendering process is clearly defined and transparent. Interested parties can find all relevant documents on the municipal website (www.glarus-nord.ch) and in the official gazette of the Canton of Glarus. A registration form is available for applications, which ensures a fair and objective evaluation based on the defined award criteria.
    The closing date for applications is 30 May at 16:00.

    Focus on future-oriented development
    The mobilisation of building zone areas is a central component of Glarus Nord’s new land use planning. The municipality is thus consistently implementing the requirements of the Spatial Planning Act and creating the conditions for orderly and future-oriented development. The continuous tendering of municipal land makes an important contribution to strengthening the location and creating attractive living and working space.

  • Canton Glarus defines settlement and extraction areas in the structure plan

    Canton Glarus defines settlement and extraction areas in the structure plan

    As part of the communal land use planning of Glarus North, the Department of Building and Environment of the Canton of Glarus has officially defined the settlement area of the municipality in the cantonal structure plan. This follows an in-depth review of the utilisation of the residential, mixed and core zones, which now comply with the strict federal and cantonal requirements for building zone dimensioning. This stipulation supports the aim of preventing urban sprawl and preserving the landscape, while at the same time offering landowners in Glarus North long-term planning and legal certainty, which is of considerable importance for the economic development of the canton.

    Expansion of the Haltengut mining area in Mollis
    In addition to the designation of the settlement area, the Haltengut mining area in the district of Mollis was expanded in the cantonal structure plan. This measure is the result of careful coordination of land-use planning by the municipality of Glarus Nord, which has demonstrated the environmental compatibility of the project. The expansion of the extraction area contributes to the needs-based supply and disposal and represents an important spatial planning co-operation between the canton and the municipality.

    Approval procedure at federal level
    The updates to the 2018 cantonal structure plan were submitted to the Federal Office for Spatial Development for approval following consultation with neighbouring cantons. With the determination of the settlement and extraction areas, the canton of Glarus has completed a significant step in the approval process for the communal utilisation planning of Glarus North. The decisions are binding with immediate effect and create a clear framework for the future development of the region.