First local co-working space opens

The "Küfergasse Coworking" in the old village Küferei is the first offer for flexible workplaces and meetings in the Ägeri Valley.

Through the name "Küfergasse Coworking", the initiators have deliberately indicated traditional roots. This is a place where people work, although work today it is very different from the first half of the 19th century. A large mural and decorative barrel-making equipment provided by the owner René Rogenmoser present a reminder of the cooperage (barrel-maker: Küferei) that was  founded at this location in 1932, and give the room, which comprises ten workplaces, a cosy, even homely atmosphere. This is especially true for the small lounge with a tea and coffee box, which is suitable for the chats between the people who work here.

Voluntary work by the initiators
The term "co-working", which was originally used for work colleagues, reflects the idea of the location. Küfergasse-Coworking is aimed at freelancers, start-ups or digital nomads. For the president of the sponsoring association, Benno Moser, it’s a good sign that the first workspaces were booked up immediately after the opening. "We are starting with the trial operation from today, and will develop our offer further, tailored to the needs of the users," he says. He can hereby rely on a volunteer team together with which he has realised the project with a modest budget. They were able to rely on patrons and sponsors for both the design of the room and for the furniture.

The first co-working space was opened on Küfergasse in Oberägeri on Saturday, 4 Sept 2021. In the picture: local mayor Marcel Güntert  and Evelyn Rust, vice-president of the municipality.
Tradition also has its place in the modern furnishings, in the form of decorative elements.
The open day was well attended.
Image: Roger Zbinden

Co-working is also suitable for smaller meetings, for company events and aperitifs, says Clementine Hegner-van Rooden, who, as a member of the team, has already tested the whole thing extensively. "Together with each other, or independently next to each other" is, so to speak, the motto. The committee of the association is also convinced that "this concept enables an exchange that creates creativity". A professional infrastructure is available for this purpose – which can be used continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 52 weeks a year.

Preservation of jobs in the community
The initial idea for a shared work place arose during the preliminary process for the area planning revision. As a result, a four-member team was formed that could count on the support of the community and industry. The co-working space offers various advantages, such as the preservation of jobs in the community or the reduction of commuter travel. The demand for changing forms of work has been increased by the pandemic, and the availability of public transport is guaranteed. The initiators are convinced that this work place will enhance the village centre and increase the attractiveness of the location. In order to support the whole thing more broadly, the association is open to new members, who are always welcome.

Daily rent per workplace CHF 39, or CHF 29 for members. Monthly rent for a fixed workplace CHF 590, monthly rent for a  flexible workplace CHF 490. A trial day is provided free of charge. For more information please refer to www.kuefergasse.ch