Progress on the promising Friessestraat shelter in Boven-Leeuwen

In September 2024, the municipal council of West Maas en Waal established the frameworks for the implementation of the Distribution Act. In doing so, the council made some important remarks: as long as the Distribution Act is in force, the municipality will implement this act. If the act is no longer applicable in the future, the municipal council may decide not to provide reception anymore.

In December 2024, the council designated the site on Friessestraat as a promising reception center that meets the established criteria. It is up to the COA to actually set up a reception center there. The COA is also responsible for providing care for asylum seekers. On December 13, 2024, an informational meeting was held on this topic for local residents and other interested parties.

Revised schedule

Following the meeting, the municipality and the COA drew up a preliminary schedule. According to that initial schedule, the permitting process and the feasibility study were to be completed in the second half of 2025.
However, the COA has encountered delays. These processes have yet to be initiated. As a result, the schedule has been revised. The new preliminary schedule is as follows:

• 2026: Start and completion of the permitting process and feasibility study
• 2026: Clarity on the final use of the plot
• 2026/2027: Expected opening of the site

Talking with residents

Alderman van den Boom: “We understand that residents have questions and concerns about the potential shelter location. I’ve noticed that this topic is on many residents’ minds. We’d be happy to discuss this with everyone. Anyone who would like to share a question or comment is welcome to stop by for a cup of coffee.”

Residents of West Maas en Waal can make an appointment for this via opvang@westmaasenwaal.nl.

More information

For the latest information on the Spreading Act and this promising location, visit www.westmaasenwaal.nl/spreidingswet