New Arrival Center for Refugees to Open at Former Sheraton Hotel in Munich

According to Michael Foerst from the Government of Upper Bavaria, the facility is scheduled to begin operations on Monday, August 11. The center will serve as the first point of contact for newly arrived refugees, where they will be registered, receive medical examinations, and then be distributed to other accommodations across Upper Bavaria.

Short-Term Stay Only

As Foerst explained during a recent meeting of the Schwanthalerhöhe District Committee, the facility is intended solely as an initial reception center. Long-term housing is not planned. The average stay is expected to be around six weeks, although this may vary depending on the current migration situation. Foerst emphasized that local schools and daycare centers will not face any additional strain as a result of the facility’s operation.

Relocation from Euro-Industriepark to Heimeranplatz

Since 2015, the previous arrival center had been located in the Euro-Industriepark. However, the container structures there have become outdated and can no longer meet current capacity requirements. The decision was made to relocate the facility to the Heimeranplatz site. In the former hotel, a total of 900 beds will be set up, though the number of residents will be limited to a maximum of 720. At launch, authorities expect between 200 and 300 people to be housed there.

Support Provided by Experienced Organization

The Diakonie will be responsible for social support and assistance for the arriving refugees. The organization had already managed operations at the same site between 2022 and 2024 and brings relevant experience in handling such tasks.

Criticism of Communication and Calls for Greater Transparency

During the district committee meeting, Sarah-Maria Seeßlen-Kozumplik, a representative of the Green Party, voiced strong criticism of what she described as insufficient communication with local residents. Many people in the neighborhood had contacted committee members seeking information but received little to no response. Seeßlen-Kozumplik demanded more transparency and community involvement, saying: “The public must be included from the very beginning.” She proposed holding an informational event or an open house day to build trust.

Foerst promised that local residents would be informed via flyers one to two weeks before the facility opens. He also said that a guided tour or open house could be arranged starting in mid-September.