Asylum seeker center plans in Houten paused after unexpected sale of Essenkade 2
Plans to establish an asylum seekers' center at Essenkade 2 in Houten have been put on hold after the property was unexpectedly sold. The COA and local authorities are now reassessing options under the Dispersal Act, impacting how newcomers may be received in the municipality.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Essenkade 2, Houten |
| Government Body | Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) |
| Status | Spatial initiative on hold |
| Reason for Hold | Unexpected sale of Essenkade 2 |
| Next Steps | Broad societal discussion planned |
| Relevant Legislation | Dispersal Act |
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) is responsible for the housing and care of asylum seekers in the Netherlands. It works closely with municipalities to implement national policies, such as the Dispersal Act, which aims to distribute asylum seekers across different regions.
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COA puts spatial initiative Essenkade 2 on hold
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) announced on March 12 that it is putting the spatial initiative for Essenkade 2 on hold. Essenkade 2 was being considered as a potential location for the reception of asylum seekers in an asylum seekers' centre (AZC).
On March 3, the municipality of Houten and the COA were surprised by the news that Essenkade 2 had been sold. What this means for the potential reception of asylum seekers at this location is not immediately clear. The COA has since spoken with the new owner. The COA does not expect it to become clear in the short term whether reception of asylum seekers at Essenkade 2 is possible according to the original plan. It has since informed the municipality that it is putting the spatial initiative and associated studies on hold until more clarity is available.
Implementation of the Dispersal Act
The spatial initiative at Essenkade 2 is currently at a standstill until more clarity is available. Together with the COA, the municipal council and the Houten community, we will discuss how and in what way we will implement the Dispersal Act. To this end, we will also organise a broad societal discussion on how we wish to receive newcomers, including asylum seekers, in our municipality.