Reception site for asylum seekers in Aalten
On May 6, the Municipal Executive decided to make a plot along the provincial road N313 (Hamelandroute), near the Singelweg in Aalten, available to the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) for a period of ten years. On this site, COA wants to realize a temporary reception site consisting of approximately 40 homes, with room for up to 300 people.
The College of Mayor and Aldermen of the Municipality of Aalten considers it important to take its social responsibility when it comes to the reception of asylum seekers. "In the past, the municipality of Aalten has always been generous to people fleeing war and violence. We believe that every refugee deserves a decent reception. Right now, additional reception places are urgently needed throughout the country. We see it as our moral duty to do our part. The college is therefore positive about the arrival of a new reception location in Aalten," said responsible alderman Joop Wikkerink.
Site survey
In recent months, the municipality has been working with COA to find a suitable location for the realization of a reception location for asylum seekers. The location on the Singelweg in Aalten has been assessed by COA as suitable for development in the short term. The land is owned by the municipality and the location is conveniently located in relation to infrastructure and facilities. The location near a residential area is also a positive point. This stimulates the integration of asylum seekers into the local community and enables them to build a social network.
Approach: temporary shelter within a future residential area
The shelter site is located in an area that the municipality wants to develop into a new residential area. This area will be laid out in two parts. In the first part, COA will place about 40 houses for the temporary reception of up to 300 asylum seekers. This reception will last for ten years. After that, this part of the area will be redeveloped for permanent housing. For the second part, plans are already underway for permanent, affordable housing, especially for first-time buyers. It is expected that the construction of these houses can start at about the same time as the realization of the temporary shelter. In this way, the temporary shelter fits well with the broader development of the residential area.
Follow-up process and participation
The municipality and COA will now further investigate and develop the plan for the temporary reception location. Because the municipality and COA consider support in the area important, they will involve local residents in the further development of the plan.
Information on continuation of the development process and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at www.aalten.nl/opvang.
The council decides
The final decision on realization of the reception site at the proposed location in Aalten lies with the City Council. The decision-making process is expected to start after the summer of 2025.