Despite the best efforts of the right-wing SVP who called the referendum and proned a "no" vote, the people of Zug have decided in favour of totally renovating the Galvanik cultural centre in Zug with 61.8% in favour (from a turn-out of 55.3% of registered voters). Some CHF 4.35 million is to be spent on modernising and extending the building, of which CHF 3.15 million will come from the city of Zug.
 
The former Galvanik Wilhelm works in Chamerstrasse has been a cultural centre since 1995. The old electro-plating works continued operating until the 1970s, at a time when people were less environmentally conscious than they are now, which meant that highly toxic waste was legally deposited around the site. Parts of the ground are contaminated up to 4.4 metres deep by heavy metals. The building was badly damaged by two fires in 2008 and a further one in March 2009.
 
The mayor of Zug Dolfi Müller said he was delighted with the result, as was Daniele Di Robbo, member of the board of the Galvanik Association. "I was expecting the motion to be rejected, so I'm very pleased," said Di Robbo. "There are a lot of people who are interested and willing to get involved in cultural activities in the area."
 
Work is to start around the end of April with completion planned for January 2011.