The Projects and Construction Review

Thomas Mueller-Tschumi and Francis Nordmann¹

I INTRODUCTION

Supported by low interest rates and immigration, construction activity in Switzerland remains at a high level; this applies to both the residential and commercial building sectors. the number of major construction projects in particular has increased steadily over recent years. As regards public sector investments, transport-related projects are the growth drivers. It is expected that population growth and rising mobility will keep the demand high for infrastructure and transport-related construction and will pose financing problems for the public sector.

The 2010 Neumatt Burgdorf project ('the Burgdorf Project') was Switzerland's first PPP project to be carried out based on international project finance standards. The project encompasses the demolition of old buildings at the site, as well as the planning, financing, construction and operation of administrative premises and a prison (with 110 beds)