The canton of Zurich has been operating the Bachtel prison center in Ringwil in the Hinwil community since 1881. In the last 2 years the facility has been continuously renewed and expanded. Today the new building will be celebrated in the presence of government councilors Martin Neukom (Greens) and Jacqueline Fehr (SP).
The facility is of great importance for the penal system in the canton, writes the canton in a message on the occasion of the opening. “The institution is rooted in the region and enjoys a high level of acceptance among the population.” It is the only cantonal institution in which offenders can serve their custodial and substitute custodial sentences in an open regime.
Five new buildings
Since it was commissioned, the prison center has been expanded and structurally adapted several times. Over the decades, a collection of different buildings had emerged, some of which were in a dilapidated condition.
The project “The homestead” was implemented under the direction of the cantonal building department. The new facility can accommodate 94 occupants. 50 employees keep the company running. The Cantonal Council approved a loan of CHF 44.5 million for the renovation and expansion.
Five new buildings were built while operations continued. The prisoner and company-specific buildings are located in the center of the facility.
The clear separation of uses makes it possible to run operations efficiently and safely. The heat supply will be ensured entirely with renewable energies. In addition, a photovoltaic system was built to generate electricity for personal use. The new buildings fit in well with the surroundings and the topography.
Update follows
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