Uri voters clear path for hotel and marina complex in central Switzerland

An image of the planned hotel complex with marina in Isleten, canton Uri, in central Switzerland. Keystone-SDA

Voters in canton Uri in central Switzerland have rejected a Green Party initiative aimed at regulating the development of the lakeside site in Isleten to prioritise nature conservation and sustainable use. The proposal was rejected by 66.42% of voters, with a turnout of 52.8%.

The Green Party had suggested alternative projects such as a small holiday village, youth hostel or campsite, but these proposals failed to gain support.

Scaled-back development plans

Egyptian investor Samih Sawiris, who transformed the Swiss mountain village of Andermatt into a luxury winter sports resort, plans to build a 50-room hotel in Isleten. The project also includes 30 hotel apartments (three to four stars), 70 rental flats, seven bungalows and a small marina. The original plans were downsized before being presented.

Economic and autonomy concerns

The cantonal government and parliament opposed the Green initiative, citing its neglect of economic, tourism and regional policy interests. Additionally, the initiative proposed regulating the site at the cantonal level rather than leaving decisions to the local communities of Seedorf and Isenthal, which the government deemed an unprecedented infringement on communal autonomy.

In an interview with the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) newspaper, Sawiris suggested that if the initiative had passed, he would have considered purchasing the land for private use rather than public development.

Campaign appeal pending

During the campaign, the initiative committee filed an appeal against the canton’s voting brochure, claiming the explanations provided were biased. The cantonal government rejected the claims and forwarded the appeal to the Swiss Federal Court for review.

Translated from French using DeepL/amva/sb

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