Feasibility study launched for a new federal asylum centre in Allschwil (BL)
Update Explained
The Swiss federal authorities, in collaboration with the commune of Allschwil and the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, are considering the construction of a new federal asylum centre (FAC) in Allschwil. This idea emerges from the need to replace the current temporary accommodation, which dates back to 1992 and offers 150 places but only partially meets current standards in building services, energy efficiency, and operational requirements. The Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics has commissioned a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of building a new 240-place asylum centre on the commune's works depot site. The study will also assess the viability of continuing to use the existing site if the new construction poses challenges due to shared use issues with the communal works depot. The commune believes that continuing to host an FAC would be beneficial, providing it with fewer asylum seekers under the extended procedure and financial compensation under the cantonal scheme. The Swiss asylum system's recent restructuring requires 840 accommodation places in the North-Western Switzerland asylum region, with the current facilities offering only 600 places. The proposed centre would help address this shortfall.
What changed
A feasibility study is being conducted to explore building a new 240-place federal asylum centre in Allschwil on the site of the existing temporary facility.
Why it matters
The potential construction of a new asylum centre aims to update infrastructure to meet modern standards and contribute to the regional requirement of asylum accommodation places.
Who is affected
- Asylum seekers in the North-Western Switzerland asylum region
- Residents and authorities of the commune of Allschwil
Key details
- The current facility provides 150 places and dates back to 1992.
- The proposed new facility would increase capacity to 240 places without processing facilities.
- The North-Western Switzerland asylum region requires a total of 840 accommodation places.
Important notes
The feasibility study must address issues related to the shared use of the site with the communal works depot before a final decision can be made.