BASELWORLD: “Hall of Universe” returns to Basel in 2004
Following in-depth discussions with exhibitors and having investigated various alternatives, MCH Swiss Exhibition Ltd. (Swiss Exhibition) has decided to host the world's largest and most important show for watches and jewellery BASELWORLD solely in Basel again. At its last meeting, the Board of Directors of Swiss Exhibition approved a plan to expand the existing exhibition space to include a new hall nearby to accommodate the “Hall of Universe”.

The overall concept of BASELWORLD, which was widely applauded by exhibitors and visitors at the 2003 Show, will remain unchanged by the integration of the entire event in Basel. The “Hall of Universe” will be located in the enlarged Basel site as a separate, dedicated sector. Halls 1 to 5 will follow the same segmentation as introduced in 2003.

An additional net exhibition floor area of at least 15,000 square metres, corresponding to a gross floor area of over 25,000 square metres, will be required in Basle for the “Hall of Universe” with its national pavilions from around 25 countries and total of approximately 800 exhibiting companies.
Messe Schweiz has investigated various alternatives in Basel. It favours a project on the DB site (German Railway site), which lies within walking distance to the north of the existing exhibition complex, where an existing warehouse complex can be converted into “Hall 6”. The conversion and utilisation of the warehouse by Messe Schweiz would be a medium-term interim solution for the next six to eight years and would not impact on the long-term redevelopment plans for the entire DB site.

Intensive negotiations are currently underway with all the partners involved. If all goes to plan, Messe Schweiz will already be in a position to submit its application for planning approval in July.

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Messe Schweiz press release
July 2003