Asylum center in Koksijde is permanently closed: Municipality relocates workshops to site and Defense invests 180 million

The asylum center in Koksijde has officially closed, allowing for a military investment of 180 million euros for site upgrades. The municipality plans to relocate some services to the site, creating space for new housing in Koksijde-Dorp. The center, initially opened during the 2015-2016 asylum crisis, remained operational for six years despite earlier plans for a shorter duration. Mayor Sander Loones noted the closure was due to a decrease in asylum seekers. The military will enhance the site with new helicopters and facilities, while local services, including the fire department's command center, will also move there, facilitating the construction of 245 new homes.