In 1996 the English Speaking Community Center Basel (ESCCB) was founded in Aeschengraben, with 30 members. The goal was to provide a place for English speaking people to meet and make friends, learn about living in Basel and to be able to speak English with each other.

In 1999 the ESCCB moved to the historic Im Lohnhof, the former debtors’ prison, and finding the old name too long, changed it to ‘Centrepoint’. By this stage, there were 300 members regularly meeting, learning about Basel and supporting each other in integrating into Basel and Switzerland.

Many nationalities are represented in the approximately 600 members of Centrepoint. Whilst the main language spoken is English, and all our documents are in English, many languages are heard in Centrepoint. It is still a community centre for people who want to speak English, make friends and learn about Basel.

In May 2017 Prix schappo has been awarded to Centrepoint for its contribution to the integration of newcomers, long-term residents and local people and to support the rich cultural life in Basel. Prix schappo is awarded twice a year by Canton Basel-Stadt to people who are making a special contribution to the Canton through their voluntary engagement .

Learn more about Prix schappo.