immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Urner Talboden

  • Location Uri – take the bull by the horns

    Location Uri – take the bull by the horns

    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!

    Image: The Uri location promotion team.
  • Urner Kantonalbank – reliable partner for an attractive economic area

    Urner Kantonalbank – reliable partner for an attractive economic area

    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.

  • "The spirit of optimism is palpable"

    "The spirit of optimism is palpable"

    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.