Wed, Feb 7th 2024
Lucerne Civil Defense’s training center in Sempach, operational since 1971, is slated for a partial rebuild and renovation, with a budget of CHF 37.8 million pending voter approval.
The Lucerne Civil Defense Training Center in Sempach, established in 1971, is under consideration for a substantial renovation and partial reconstruction. The cantonal authorities propose a budget of CHF 37.8 million for the project, of which CHF 30.3 million would require approval through a particular loan in a forthcoming vote on March 3.
Historically, the center has been a crucial training ground, annually serving thousands from within and outside the canton. Despite its significance, the infrastructure, in parts, remains as it was originally built, with no significant investments made since 2007 due to the anticipation of a new construction project that was eventually dropped in 2014.
The current operational standards and the repurposing of the accommodation building into an administrative facility indicate a pressing need for updates. The approved plan by the cantonal council includes renovating the instructional building and demolishing existing structures, such as the administration building, pavilions, and barracks, to make way for new constructions. This approach aims to enhance the site’s efficiency.
The financial structure for the renovation includes a CHF 30.3 million portion that is subject to voter approval, while the government council can allocate the remaining CHF 7.5 million without a referendum. To date, the project has not faced substantial opposition.
If approved, the construction is expected to start in 2025, with the renovated center anticipated to be operational by 2028. During the renovation period, training operations will be temporarily relocated.
The decision now lies with the voters to approve the funding for the renovation, which aims to address the center’s outdated facilities and operational inefficiencies.
©Keystone/SDA
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