It has been used as temporary accommodation since 2020
A date for the closure of a controversial Kent temporary asylum seeker centre has been revealed. Napier Barracks, a former MoD site located in Folkestone, has been used as contingency or temporary accommodation for those seeking asylum since 2020.
The site has been plagued by a variety of issues including a fire, COVID outbreaks, hunger strikes, and protests. The Barracks are now set to shut down on Friday (December 19).
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. This government will close every asylum hotel.
“Work is well underway, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.“We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across-government so that we can accelerate delivery.”
The Home Office plan to complete site decant by the end of December 2025 and hand back the Napier site to the MoD in January 2026, ahead of onward transfer to a Housing Developer who has purchased the site in March 2026.
The Home Office said military sites are being considered as temporary accommodation, with the aim of reducing the impact on communities and delivering better outcomes for taxpayers.
‘Glad to see Napier Barracks closing’
Independent councillor for Folkestone Harbour Ward told KentLive: “I’m glad to see Napier Barracks finally closing. Those seeking asylum need to be accommodated in homes – not camps where they can be targeted, and in places where they can more easily find the services that they need to flourish.
“I think we need to take away two things from this. The first is that we are an immensely warm and welcoming community. The care shown by local residents and groups like Napier Friends has completely outshone any attempts by small but vocal minority to foment discord locally.
“Every time they tried they were foiled by kindness, generosity and the quiet understanding that we always stand with our neighbours, wherever they are from. That makes me so proud.
“Secondly we need to be clear that public money is much better spent building safe and warm homes for all, rather than being siphoned off into the grubby pockets of private companies like Clearsprings (who run several accommodation sites including Napier Barracks).
“The deal done by the previous government with Clearsprings was worth £1 billion over 10 years. Imagine if that money had been invested in building housing that could ultimately be used by everyone in our community. That’s not woke or impossible, it’s the simple but achievable ambition of dignity and security for all, and a warm roof over everyone’s head.”
Discussions underway to use barracks
Discussions are underway to use the Cameron Barracks and Crowborough sites for asylum accommodation, which will house around 900 single adult males across both sites.
It reads on the Wealden District Council’s website: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Home Office has also confirmed to Wealden District Council that no service users will be moving from Napier barracks (due to close on 19 December) to Crowborough.
“Wealden District Council is continuing to do all it can to oppose the Home Office’s decision to house asylum seekers at the Crowborough Army Camp and to continue to work with local authorities.”
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