Günzburg, a small town located between Augsburg and Ulm, has a population of 21,500, with the Legoland theme park being one of the largest employers, attracting 1.6 million visitors annually and employing up to 2,000 staff, including those from abroad, with 800 of them coming from outside the country, mostly during the peak season. The local unemployment rate is a mere 2%, a stark contrast to the nationwide average.
However, the town is facing a housing shortage, a common issue in many areas with a strong job market. Günzburg’s second mayor, Ruth Niemetz, described the situation as “very strained” with 300 families waiting for affordable housing, even without considering asylum seekers. A quarter of Legoland employees live more than 70 kilometers away from their workplace.
In response, Legoland has taken the initiative to build its own accommodations for its employees, with the aim of reducing the commuting distance and improving the quality of life for its staff. The company’s management has stated that the new housing complex, built on the theme park’s 125-hectare site, will provide 500 single and double rooms, complete with furniture, kitchenware and amenities. While not traditional apartments, the units will offer a range of shared facilities, including a fitness center and communal areas.
According to the company’s press release, each room is fully furnished and equipped with a bed, wardrobe, flat-screen TV, kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. New employees will also receive a welcome package with kitchen utensils, including a frying pan, pots, dishes and cutlery.
Günzburg’s local government is optimistic about the potential of the new housing complex, believing that it could set a precedent for other companies to offer a more comprehensive package, including a stable living arrangement, to their employees. While Legoland’s initiative may not be a long-term solution for the town’s housing shortage, it is a step in the right direction, providing a more comfortable living environment for its staff.