The Lucendro power plant in the Gotthard region on the territory of the municipality of Airolo will be jointly operated by the cantons of Uri and Ticino in future. According to a press release, this is the result of an agreement reached on 1 November. The agreement was reached thanks to mediation by the Federal Office for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, which has been ongoing since 2022. According to the agreement, both cantons will each hold a 50 per cent stake in the future company, which will be based in Airolo. Uri will receive a majority share of the electricity. Technical operation and maintenance will continue to be ensured by Azienda Elettrica Ticinese(AET). Uri will take over the commercial management.
The power plant was built between 1942 and 1948 by the former Atel, which was later merged into Alpiq. in 2013, the two cantons decided not to renew Alpiq’s licence after the reversion. aET acquired the plant in 2015.
The power plant utilises water from the Gotthardreuss and Ticino rivers, which is collected in the Lucendro and Sella reservoirs. It produces around 103 gigawatt hours per year.
Rapid expansion of renewable energies is more necessary than ever. The hunger for electricity in Switzerland is growing, the reliability of electricity imports from abroad is dwindling and a third of the annual domestic electricity production will be lost with the phasing out of nuclear energy. In short: new power plants urgently need to be built to prevent power shortages in Switzerland very soon.
In 2018, the Canton of Uri publicly published the modified license application for the use of the Meienreuss and thus advocated the expansion of renewable energies in the canton of Uri. The environmental organizations WWF and Pro Natura then raised an objection. CKW repeatedly sought dialogue with the objectors to reach an agreement, but without success. At its meeting on July 5, 2022, the government of Uri rejected the objections of the environmental associations and thus sent an important signal for the energy transition. The environmental associations can lodge an appeal with the Uri High Court on this decision and thus take legal action, which can go as far as the Federal Supreme Court. This would trigger a massive project delay. However, CKW CEO Martin Schwab hopes that they too have recognized the seriousness of the situation: “In terms of the energy transition and in view of the current energy crisis, it must be possible for us to implement such important projects of national importance quickly. This requires targeted action on all sides. You can’t be in favor of the energy transition, the expansion of renewable energies and more climate protection and at the same time block important projects,” says Schwab.
Power station of national importance produces electricity for the people of Uri The Meiental power plant is located in the municipal area of Wassen andis a joint project by CKW and several local partners. The total investment is around CHF 37 million. Hydropower has been the backbone of electricity supply in Switzerland for over 100 years. Because it produces ecologically sustainable, renewable electricity reliably and predictably at all times – even in winter. However, due to ecological requirements, hydropower is facing production losses of around 10 percent by 2050. With the Meiental run-of-river power plant, CKW wants to make an important contribution to more renewable electricity production and security of supply in the canton of Uri. The targeted annual production is 32 GWh. This corresponds to the consumption of around 7100 average 4-person households.
Original project revised and reduced The power plant project meets all the requirements of the “Protection and use concept for renewable energies in the canton of Uri” (SNEE). The SNEE shows where in the canton of Uri systems for energy production from renewable sources such as water, wind and sun can be set up and where landscapes and watercourses should be preserved undiminished. Based on the SNEE, CKW has revised its original project submitted in 2008 and reduced it from two to one power station stage in the lower reaches of the Meienreuss. The use of the ecologically more valuable upper course with partial floodplain character as well as the alpine tributaries is dispensed with. With a protection and use plan, these parts of the body of water are excluded from use for energy production for the concession period of 80 years that has been applied for.
Due to the large production volume, the Meiental power plant is considered a power plant of national importance under the Swiss Energy Act. The national public interest in safe electricity production thus takes precedence over regional protection interests. Furthermore, without this power plant, it would not be possible for the Canton of Uri to be able to achieve its own expansion target of 150 GWh for its own energy production.
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.
Forward-looking planning has resulted in an interesting energy concept during the construction of the “SisCampus” new building project. The aim was to implement an environmentally friendly and climate-friendly concept. The client decided on a concept that was based on this objective. The main risk lay in the modern approach, and that without relying on empirical values. So the focus was not primarily on sensational elements, such as visible photovoltaics as a label for a sustainable climate image.
The core of the innovation was the use and storage of naturally occurring energy resources. For this purpose, the sun’s energy and the groundwater are used as a heat or cooling source in an optimal way. The structural prerequisite was the creation of an adequate storage facility. For this purpose, the entire building mass was defined as storage and equipped with thermoactive components, so-called TABS. These ensure an optimal temperature distribution in the entire mass storage at a flow temperature of < 30 degrees.
With the use of electrochromic facade glazing (SageGlas) as the primary control element, energy consumption, daylight and glare can be influenced dynamically. The energy transmission of solar energy can be easily regulated by a factor of 10 (G value 0.03-0.35). Another advantage is that other traditional sun protection solutions such as blinds or heat protection devices were not used at the location with a strong foehn influence.
Ventilation is a key element in the climate concept. Energy-consuming air conditioning and active ventilation systems have been dispensed with. Ventilation systems can only be found in the catering area in the kitchen, in the restaurant and in the hotel rooms. The office area is ventilated by hand and ventilated by means of motorized window sashes.
With these core elements, the year-round climate target of 22-26 °C with a humidity of 35-60% could be achieved. The investment costs for heating and cooling could be reduced by more than 60% in terms of space and system technology.
The room climate is continuously recorded by means of meaningful monitoring. The energy requirement is currently around 8 W/m2 and will be comprehensively validated for the first time in summer 2022 after 2 years of operation.
Andermatt Swiss Alps real estate can be used both as a first and second home. In the case of a second home, the owners have the opportunity to rent the apartment to holiday guests during their absence and thus generate income. The Andermatt Swiss Alps team takes care of the entire organization and processing of the rental. From the reservation process to cleaning and on-site guest care. With this rental program, the apartments are better utilized and Andermatt Reuss is busy all year round. This also reduces the number of so-called cold beds, and numerous guests can enjoy the stylishly furnished apartments.
Holidays in modern apartments The apartments in Andermatt Reuss are the ideal accommodation for a break in the mountains. Depending on the equipment for families, couples or holidays with friends. The year-round destination of Andermatt offers a variety of activities and events for young and old in both winter and summer. The Andermatt concert hall is used throughout the year and offers a varied programme. The ski area can be reached on foot in just a few minutes or with the free ski bus, and the cross-country ski trail extends just a few meters from the front door. In summer, the hiking trails and bike trails start just a few steps outside of Andermatt. There are also a few shops, restaurants and bars in the Andermatt Reuss part of the village.
The Strickermatte development will stretch across several plots opposite the Altdorf cantonal railway station. It turns the area into a dense residential and commercial settlement and aims to use the land reserves sparingly. The superstructure wants to make optimal use of the existing plots of land and fit harmoniously into the existing building structure as a whole.
Seven apartment buildings with 104 apartments, commercial space on the ground floors of the buildings to the south and two underground car parks are planned. The commercial spaces are being created in the front buildings directly on the new station square and are intended to offer interesting offers to passers-by of the station.
The aim of the project is to create living space for people of all ages and attractive outdoor areas that can be used privately and publicly. The apartments have balconies or loggias and a high-quality interior design with parquet floors, built-in cupboards and their own washing tower. The majority of the buildings will be built without obstacles and should thus take into account the requirements of all generations.
With a connection to the district heating network of Heizwerk Uri AG, a photovoltaic system and charging stations for electric vehicles, the buildings meet today’s sustainability standards. A mobility offer with car sharing should also create the possibility of doing without your own car in the future.
The former industrial and commercial buildings have already been demolished and excavation work has begun. The completion of the first new buildings is planned for the end of 2023. The work on the overall development is expected to last around 3.5 years.
The construction project is being developed and implemented by Bricks AG in cooperation with HTS Architekten und Partner AG.
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
In industry and in the commercial sector, company buildings are traditionally single-storey in order to enable optimal logistics and to shorten distances. This idea has its origins in a time when land was considered an infinite resource and the car was the focus of planning.
But land is a finite resource. For reasons of sustainability, as little soil as possible should be installed and sealed. The industry must therefore find new ways to minimize sealed ground floor areas without losing flexibility.
The craft center Ha2 in Erstfeld is taking such a path. His concept: It stacks up the space that would otherwise be spread over a single floor. The building consists of a ground floor and two upper floors. The latter are accessed via a ramp that can be driven on by delivery vans. It connects to each floor via an arcade. A goods lift is also available.
The Ha2 Crafts Center not only attaches importance to sustainability when it comes to the construction area. The construction was designed for durability, for example by high interior spaces and the separation of the primary, secondary and tertiary structures. The latter should also put the poor CO2 balance of concrete into perspective. The building shell of the crafts center is made of wood, the sun protection was created constructively. Depending on the user, waste wood chips or groundwater are used for heating. With a joiner’s workshop as a co-user, the building could also be heated exclusively by burning wood chip waste.
The rainwater is collected in a cistern and reused – this saves 40 percent of the fresh water.
The Ha2 Crafts Center aims to be planned and implemented as simply and efficiently as possible. The ground floor is built over height and can be divided into two levels. This ensures more flexibility in use.
The craft center is being built in the commercial zone of the municipality of Erstfeld, north of the town centre, with the NEAT and A2 connections in the immediate vicinity. In the neighborhood there are, among other things, a fish farm and a system technology company.
Small, local craftsmen’s companies should be able to develop in the craftsmen’s center. An important point is therefore the affordability of the areas.
A company uses part of the space for a sanitary exhibition. A takeaway stand is also planned on the ground floor. Also among those interested are a local carpenter’s shop, hemp plant startups, and plumbing and electrical companies.
The craft center Ha2 is currently in the status of the preliminary project. The building permit process is scheduled to begin in June 2022. The move into the building is planned for autumn 2023.
Aerial photo of the micro-location: The location of the crafts center is characterized by the optimal connection to the given traffic routes.
Franz Kempf AG wants to move its activities to a new building in Werkmatt Uri, which it intends to build. However, since she will only use a small part of the building on the 7,000 square meter plot, managing director and company owner Franz Kempf is looking for companies that have a need for property or rental space.
The company for plaster, stucco and panel work has too little space at its current location. Kempf also sees great potential in the new location. It is well developed and offers employees a workplace with a high quality of life close to nature. Cooperation with other companies also creates new jobs in the canton of Uri. In order to address interested parties from all over Switzerland, Kempf advertised in various media in Basel, Zurich, Central Switzerland, Aargau and Ticino. At the moment he is evaluating the interested parties who have contacted us. He doesn’t want to reveal what kind of company they are: “It’s very exciting, but for reasons of discretion I can’t give any information about it yet.”
The new building is to be developed according to the needs of the interested parties. Kempf hopes that the project will start soon and that the commercial space will be available from 2024. The plot in which Kempf would like to build its service and commercial arena is the southernmost one in the Werkmatt. It is located right next to the new motorway junction.
Franz Kempf, Managing Director and owner of Franz Kempf AG.
The Gotthard is a myth, a landmark known throughout Europe, which has been presenting people with supposedly insurmountable challenges for centuries, but which has also driven entire generations to new peak performances. The Gotthard still spurs us on today, not only promoting innovation, but actually demanding it. The name Gotthard radiates north and south, but also beyond our national borders and stands like no other name for durability, robustness, pioneering spirit, innovation and engineering. The brand name Innovationspark Gotthard stands for the symbiosis of stability, durability and strength with creativity, optimism, closeness to nature, community and openness.
New talents want a place of work with prospects for the future, but also base their choice of location on soft factors and look for a top environment for their family, leisure time and relaxation. Regions outside the major centers are establishing themselves as attractive alternatives thanks to a favorable cost environment (taxes, energy, real estate prices). The Canton of Uri is predestined to develop such a living environment and to become attractive for those who have “arrived”.
The Gotthard Innovation Park offers an inspiring environment for the knowledge- and innovation-oriented further development of products and services for companies in “outdoor technology” or in the “nature, energy and innovation” sectors.
It focuses on companies that want to offer their talents (Gen Y, Gen Z) living and flexible working in an intact environment with a wide range of sports and cultural activities “on their doorstep”.
Possible are:
Shared services (spatially: reception, cafeteria, meeting room, etc. as well as content: administrative services). The company can concentrate on its main activity.
Fab Lab (offer for small series, 3D printer, simulation and coaching, operating concepts, processes, etc.)
Inspiration spaces to promote innovation in mutual interaction
Clean rooms, rooms for mech. Manufacturing, experimental laboratories, test centers
office space
Flexible, open areas (engineering, testing, production, administration) characterize the intended use. It differs from a pure office space offer.
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.
«With this residential and commercial building, we focused on a sustainable concept. Ecology, economy and social issues are in harmony. With “Cubo”, the focus is on the social and functional mix of the building. This is achieved with diverse and communal forms of use. With these future-oriented approaches, incentives are created for the establishment of new places of work and life in the region,” explains René Chappuis, management of the responsible CAS Group. The approach is convincing. The apartments and office space were rented out within a very short time. The opportunity to meet in the building in everyday life is particularly popular with commuters and newcomers.
Staircase as a meeting zone The cubic building shell encloses two commercial floors, four residential floors and an attic floor. A total of 36 high-quality rental units with 2.5 to 4.5 rooms have been realized. “Encounter, exchange and the opportunity for joint meetings characterize the room concept. The building surprises with a very generous access zone. The atrium, which is lit by daylight, also serves as a meeting place to promote social exchange between the residents,” explains Helen Chappuis, Management and Head of Architecture. To promote social communication, the laundry room is also located on the ground floor and designed as a washable area.
Green electricity from the roof During the planning, a high priority was given to sustainability. The building has a modern wooden facade and is heated with a groundwater heat pump, which is fed via the photovoltaic system installed on the flat roof. Charging stations for electric cars can easily be made available in the garage. The PV system with an output of 36 kilowatts produces around 34,000 kilowatt hours of green electricity per year. This means that around six tons of CO2 emissions can be avoided per year, which corresponds to around 42,000 kilometers driven by car. As part of an association for self-consumption (ZEV), the solar power is consumed on site as far as possible. In summer, excess solar power flows back into the grid, in winter additional energy is drawn from the public grid. Thanks to this innovative concept, the tenants receive solar power from their own roof, which costs even less than mains power.
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”.
All three charming wooden chalets are connected with a passage. Behind the construction project is a comprehensive concept that focuses on sustainable tourism. At the same time, the Berg-Academy is set up, offering courses in the areas of healthy people, a healthy environment and sustainable entrepreneurship. The Academy will conduct the “live seminars” in the Berglodge37. External seminar providers can hold their own seminars on the Eggberge. Companies and organizations book the lodge for internal seminars in the mentioned areas. Adults looking for peace and quiet can use the place for a personal pit stop, a “digital detox” or simply for a few days of relaxation.
With the Berglodge37, the two operators fulfilled a dream: “This heart project has been dormant in us for a long time,” says Ruth Koch. “Operating a mountain oasis where curious people can meet and be inspired is our common dream,” adds Martin Reichle. When building the Berglodge37, great importance was attached to an optimal energy balance and a lot of regional “moon wood” was used, wood felled during the waning moon. According to an ETH study, this wood has been proven to have a wide variety of positive properties such as better stability, better durability, fire resistance, hardness and resistance to pests. When it came to choosing the furniture, only the best was good enough. All rooms are equipped with bed systems from the Swiss manufacturer Leibundgut from the Bernese Oberland. The world’s only bed with automatic shape adjustment to every body shape and sleeping position offers perfect sleeping comfort and guarantees the best relaxation.
As a consistently sustainable business, Berglodge37 relies on vegetarian cuisine. Guests should be able to experience that vegetarian food can taste just as good as dishes containing meat. The lodge sees itself as an innovative employer in the canton of Uri. This is reflected in the choice of employees, who practically all come from the region. The opening of the Berglodge37 is planned for mid-July 2022. More information: www.berglodge37.com.
Is it true that the Datwyler plant in Schattdorf (UR) has been climate-neutral since 2012? Reto Burkart: Yes, that is correct.
And how did you achieve this goal so early? There were two independent activities that led to this. Thanks to a new external partner, we were able to replace our oil heating with a wood heating plant in 2008. Since then, the process and heating energy for our plant has been generated using wood chips. In addition, since 2012 we have been using certified electricity from hydropower.
What can other companies learn from your (temporal) know-how advantage? I think a company should have some basic knowledge in-house when it comes to sustainable energy. But you shouldn’t always try to take everything completely into your own hands. We have always worked with external specialists who can take on such issues and have much more specific know-how than we do. But it is important that you know your partner and can trust him.
Would you have thought that the topic of sustainability would one day become so important? Yes, of course, and we were and are prepared for this and will not stop working on the topic. Of course it is more “en vogue” today to take on sustainability, but in my opinion we as a company have been benefiting from this setup for a long time, because sustainability does not only refer to energy and material consumption. The health and safety of employees are also part of this.
What are your goals for the next ten years? As far as the health and safety of employees is concerned, we at the Schattdorf site are working to increase understanding of the importance of these issues through many small internal programs. In this regard, we also work very intensively with external partners such as SUVA.
With regard to the environment, we are constantly working to reduce the absolute and relative consumption of fuel, electricity and water as well as the amount of waste. In addition, Datwyler has set itself the goal of being climate-neutral at all locations worldwide by 2030.
Reto Burkart, head of the Datwyler plant in Schattdorf
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!
The new headquarters of the Urner Kantonalbank (UKB) near the cantonal train station was occupied at the end of March 2022. The meticulously prepared rein action over three days was the long-awaited conclusion of a construction phase of around two and a half years. Various tenants of the new, five-storey service building have now also moved in. The occupancy rate of over 70% when the building was completed confirms the successful development of the location in the Uri valley floor and beyond. With the modern and attractive meeting place, the Urner Kantonalbank makes an important contribution to the new gateway to the canton of Uri in various roles. She is the client of the multifunctional building, an investor who sets economic impulses, a landlord who creates space for new companies and an employer who enables a modern and innovative working environment.
UKB new building – lots of flexibility for everyone With the selected column-free construction of the entire ground floor and a glass proportion of the facade of 75%, which gives the workplaces plenty of light, the new building appears transparent and lively. The service building is certified according to the Minergie standard. In addition, the new building is connected to the district heating network of the Uri heating plant. The photovoltaic system on the roof will produce around 61,000 kWh of electricity, which corresponds to around 15 percent of the building’s total energy requirements. The flexible room layout on each floor allows for modern forms of work over a long period of time. At the same time, the flexibility promotes exchange, synergies and innovation. On the 1st floor there is a multifunctional hall for up to 99 people, which can be used for events and training not only by the permanent tenants. Of the total usable area of 6240 m², only a small area on the ground floor and 1st floor is still open for rent.
Innovation biotope Uri – promotes innovation and education in the canton of Uri In recent years, a lot of work has been done in the canton of Uri to develop an attractive infrastructure for the further development of the canton in order to generate the best possible conditions for a growth market in the canton. With the upgrading of the Altdorf train station to a cantonal train station, the locational favor of the canton of Uri for new service, high-tech and commercial uses will be increased considerably, and many other opportunities for new economic impulses will arise.
With the innovation biotope on the 3rd floor, the UKB and its partners from business, administration and politics are realizing a location for innovation and education. This is intended to serve as a nucleus for promoting innovation, education and research, but also as an organization for networking and procurement of resources for innovative companies covering the entire canton.
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.
Company settlements are increasing again after the Corona dip. The Greater Zurich Area AG (GZA), as the location marketing organization for nine cantons, was able to settle a total of 125 companies in 2021, an increase of 36 companies compared to the first Corona year 2020. According to a statement by the GZA, 42 companies came from the USA (+20 ), 19 from Germany (+4), ten from Italy (+5) and five each from China (-6), Great Britain and Singapore.
Overall, the companies created 582 jobs in the economic area, an increase of 11 percent compared to the previous year. In the next five years there should be a total of 1843 jobs.
The ICT sectors are most strongly represented with 42 companies, followed by the life sciences with 25 companies and the machine industry with 18 and financial services with 13 companies. The life sciences companies created 235 jobs, followed by the ICT companies with 154 jobs.
However, the importance of the companies for the location goes beyond the number of new jobs. “We specifically address those companies that achieve high added value and strengthen the existing ecosystem,” said GZA Managing Director Sonja Wollkopf Walt at a digital media conference.
One of the newly settled companies is Benchling . The American provider of cloud solutions for life sciences wants to create up to 150 jobs in the Circle at Zurich Airport. The Chinese pharmaceutical company Hengrui already has its European headquarters in Basel and is now setting up a research and development site in Zurich.
The German RegTech company targens will sell its software for compliance solutions to banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein from Schwanden GL. Ruedi Becker, the Swiss head of the Landesbank Baden-Württemberg subsidiary, was able to convince his superiors of the advantages of Glarus together with the GZA.
That pleases the Glarner location promoter Christian Zehnder. So far, Glarus has been strong in manufacturing and food production. “We want to get away from our traditional image,” he said. “When companies settle here, however, we depend on the strong partner GZA, who markets the location internationally.”
Sonja Wollkopf Walt sees it similarly: the settlement of targens strengthens the ecosystem as a whole and sends the signal that the economic area extends beyond Zurich and Zug. “In the Greater Zurich Area there is the ideal location for every company.”
The Greater Zurich Area includes the cantons of Glarus, Graubünden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Ticino, Uri, Zug and Zurich.
The canton of Uri has adopted its Energy Uri 2021 funding program. In the coming year he wants to make a total of 3.1 million francs available for energy-efficient renovations. This means that the funds available are roughly as high as in the current record year 2020.
The focus of the support program is the renovation of building envelopes, as the canton explains in a press release. These make a major contribution to ensuring that the federal and cantonal energy and climate targets can be achieved. With a subsidy rate of 60 francs per square meter, a high incentive will continue to be set for the renovation of the building envelope, it is said. The canton also offers advice in this area. In addition to the non-binding initial consultation at the Uri Energy Office, more detailed advice is now being launched.
In addition to the renovation of buildings, the program also supports the replacement of old oil heating systems or solar energy.
According to a press release , the Uri government council has passed its digitization strategy. This defines the general direction that the canton wants to take in the area of digitization. It also serves as an orientation framework for implementing strategic projects over the next five to ten years. Overall, the strategy should give the attractiveness of the residential and business location Uri a positive boost, it is said.
Digitization could "become a real development driver for the canton of Uri and significantly strengthen Uri's positioning", the government council stated in the government program for 2020 to 2024. For this, the “social peculiarities of Uris as well as the special opportunities Uris as an economic and home office location with a quality of retreat” must be taken into account.
The Canton of Uri was also supported by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences ( HSLU ) in developing the digitization strategy. As project manager Stephan Käppeli points out in a communication from the HSLU in February, the canton is suitable “in various ways as a model region for digitization”.
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