Asylum Reception Center

Initially, the plan was to build the reception center north of the housing for Ukrainians (Kafra Towers). This was due to traces of contamination previously found on the southern lot and uncertainty regarding the amount of space needed for the design and construction of the COA housing. Both the city council and local residents and surrounding businesses raised questions about this. The city executive then promised to investigate further whether the southern lot might be suitable. It has since become clear that the contamination on the southern lot can be removed without disrupting the COA’s plans. We also now know that the size of the desired COA facility fits on the southern lot. Furthermore, the southern lot is the preferred choice among local residents and nearby businesses. The COA wishes to follow the municipality’s lead and respect the wishes of the local community as much as possible. In light of all this, the municipal executive decided on October 3, 2023, to opt for housing on the southern lot.

The site on Schansdijk is owned by the municipality. Because the feasibility study had already considered temporary housing—and because the Ukrainian refugee shelter had already been built there—the area could be developed quickly. Once a permit was granted, the COA was able to install units there relatively quickly. In addition, it is a very large site with ample space, and it is within walking distance of downtown.

The asylum seeker centers are overcrowded. This is because more asylum seekers are coming to the Netherlands. The main reason, however, is the severe housing shortage in the Netherlands. As a result, more than 12,000 status holders (people with a residence permit) are staying in regular asylum seeker centers, even though they should already be moving into housing provided by municipalities. But such housing is either unavailable or insufficient. That is why the COA is actively searching for new shelter locations throughout the country. Every municipality is expected to contribute to this effort.

This issue has already been addressed in connection with the construction of housing for Ukrainians. In the summer of 2023, the road was upgraded. The road from the reception center to the N285 provincial highway was repaved and improved. In addition, a separate pedestrian path was constructed. We expect these improvements to be sufficient. Of course, we are monitoring the situation.

The COA reception center has room for 300 Ukrainian refugees and up to 200 people. There are no plans to create additional reception spaces on the remaining grounds.

Work on the Zevenbergen Northern Bypass is currently underway. The project is expected to be completed in July 2027.

Due to the way the asylum shelter was built and the measures that have been taken, the Northern Beltway has no impact on the asylum shelter.