Brüggli neighbours signal willingness for discussion

Through their lawyer, one of the parties objecting to the plans for the Bruggli bathing area in Zug has proposed a round-table discussion.
 

The coverage of the Zuger Zeitung newspaper of the objections to the restaurant concept for the ‘Brüggli’ bathing area on Lake Zug has triggered numerous reactions. The future of the evidently popular ‘Brüggli’ site appears to be a highly emotional issue, and the objectors from the neighbourhood have now also spoken out. A total of four parties have filed two objections.

"My clients are not fundamentally opposed to a restaurant on the Brüggli," writes the lawyer for one of the parties. "My clients made this clear in their objection, and simultaneously signalled their willingness to engage in dialogue." They are committed to finding a viable solution with the developers, the operators and the permitting authorities through a round-table discussion, which would allow the refreshment stand to open provisionally before the official permitting process is completed. The goal is to offer visitors to the Brüggli restaurant a dining option right from the start of the season.

The Zug Corporation and the operator, Sandro Casaulta, have also signalled their willingness to talk. In the initial report on the matter in the Zuger Zeitung newspaper, Sandro Casaulta indicated that a "good discussion" had taken place with one of the objecting parties, but that it had not led to a "consensus." At that time, he also announced his intention to contact the other objectors as well, and they have since responded to his request, as he confirmed upon enquiry. The corporation also stated that it is in contact with the objectors. The City of Zug declined to comment, however, citing the ongoing proceedings.

The tables and chairs are ready – but when will the Brüggli restaurant be able to open its doors?
The new Brüggli restaurant is completely finished. But it cannot yet open because objections to the restaurant concept are pending.
Some landscaping work is still underway, but will be completed soon       Photos: Matthias Jurt
 

Originally planned: "A few seats on the covered outdoor terrace"
In his letter to the editor of the Zuger Zeitung newspaper, Jürg Heiz from Zug wrote: "In a public consultation process, the City of Zug, together with the Zug Corporation, gathered the opinions of over 2,000 people. The result was: leave the Brüggli as it is, as far as possible. Its non-commercial character should be preserved at all costs."

Research shows that the following is stated on Page 5 of the final report from the City and the Zug Corporation: "While infrastructure and modern catering are desirable, the commercialisation of the Brüggli and its development into a supra-regional tourist hotspot must be prevented."

In his letter to the editor, Jürg Heiz continued: "In this context, it is incomprehensible that a restaurant with 240 seats will be built in a nature reserve. If the city council is going to deviate from these findings, one wonders why such an extensive public consultation process was carried out in the first place."
(Editor's note: According to corporation president Daniel Schwerzmann, "just over 200 seats" were planned.)

In 2024, the Canton of Zug, the City of Zug, and the Zug Corporation informed local residents about the Brüggli Zug development project in a flyer, which stated: “The food pavilion has a kitchen with a take-away station. It offers some seating on the covered outdoor terrace facing the lake.” “So there's no mention of a restaurant with 240 seats," the letter writer emphasises. This additional space would come at the expense of swimmers and families with children, he concluded.

According to their comments on social media, however, many of the users of the Brüggli don't feel restricted by the limited space. Rather, they would like an restaurant that is open and that has the capacity to serve everyone if they wish.