80 meters, 1000 apartments, a city council under pressure
A new city center will soon be built where measuring devices used to roll off the production line. The LG site right next to Zug railroad station is one of the biggest urban development opportunities in Central Switzerland and one of the most controversial. The city council has given the green light, but the big political battle is only just beginning.
The 93,000 square meter LG site belongs to five different landowners, including the city of Zug itself. For decades, the area was purely a place of work. Now it is to become a mixed urban quarter, with residential, commercial, open spaces and track gardens between the towers.
High-rise buildings up to 80 meters
The urban development concept focuses on high density. Buildings up to 80 meters high are planned, flanked by generous green areas and squares for a pleasant urban climate. Living space for up to 3900 people is to be created on the site. A new 60-metre-long pedestrian and cycle underpass between Gubelstrasse and Feldstrasse will connect the district to the existing urban fabric at a cost of around CHF 20 million.
The city buys, the people decide
The city of Zug wants to build its own residential buildings, around 60 meters high and specifically for affordable housing, on a plot of land costing CHF 65 million. Parliament has already approved the purchase. However, the final decision will be made by the electorate and the vote is still pending.
Criticism of the subsidy share
Not everyone is happy. Only three out of 15 occupied floors are planned as affordable housing. The ALG/CSP is demanding at least half. The allocation is also causing discussion. The center wants to give preference to residents of Zug, the city council shows sympathy in principle, but whether this is legally permissible remains open.
First facts even before legal force
While politicians are deliberating, construction is already underway. On Zählerweg, a developer is converting a 200-metre-long factory building dating back to 1951. 60 new apartments on the upper floors, commercial space on the first floor, occupation planned by the end of 2027.
What happens next
The development plan is expected to be submitted to the Grand Municipal Council in fall 2026, following consultation in the preliminary committees. This will be followed by the public consultation. Legal force is expected in 2027 at the earliest.