A new central fire station
A new central fire station is to be built at Matenpoort. The city council has taken this decision to improve the quality of fire service provision in the Apeldoorn region.
The new fire station will improve fire service coverage in the Apeldoorn region. This means that, on average, the fire service will be able to respond more quickly when a fire breaks out. All neighbourhoods can therefore count on a sufficiently rapid fire service response. The new fire station also takes into account Apeldoorn’s expected growth. In this way, we are ensuring that the fire service is prepared for the future. The council’s aim is to bring the new fire station into use in 2027.
What’s changing?
At present, the fire service still has three buildings spread across Apeldoorn: Beatrijsgaarde, Saba and Vosselmanstraat. Under the new arrangements, there will be a single central fire station. This will be the base for all full-time fire service personnel and the administrative staff of the safety region. In addition, there will continue to be two volunteer stations in Ugchelen and Beekbergen.
A bridge will also be built across the canal. The bridge is important. It will enable the fire brigade to cross the canal quickly and save valuable time in the south-western part of the city.
The opening of the central fire station will improve fire and rescue services for the residents of Apeldoorn. The building on Matenpoort will also house the offices of VNOG (North and East Gelderland Safety Region) and the Veluwe Environmental Agency (ODVeluwe).Together with the central fire station, these organisations form part of the Safety Centre.
Who does what?
The safety region and the local council are working together on the new fire station. The local council owns the new building. It is also responsible for public spaces and the impact the new fire station will have on these areas – for example, on traffic in the vicinity of the station – as well as for obtaining the necessary planning permission for the construction of the bridge and the fire station.
What has happened so far?
As early as 2011, a study was carried out into the possibility of establishing a single central fire station. After the municipal council agreed in early 2022 to purchase the site at Matenpoort, the following took place further research. The findings indicated that the Matenpoort is a suitable location for fire services. The study also examined whether renovating the existing building or constructing a new one would offer better prospects. The municipal council has opted for a new building.
Final decision on the route
We commissioned a study into the connection of the new fire station on Kayersdijk. The location of the bridge and the route through the neighbourhood were thoroughly examined. We weighed up various options and assessed them against criteria such as safety, response time, route/function and the surrounding area. We have engaged in dialogue with residents on this matter on a number of occasions and in various ways. Ultimately, the Mayor and Aldermen have decided that the route via Mezenweg is the best option. This applies only to the initial response to emergency situations with the highest priority. A new level crossing will be built over the Kanaal.
Based on the study, the local council and the VNOG have drawn up a preferred route. This was presented to interested parties at a residents’ evening on 27 February 2024.
Following the meeting with residents and discussions with the local council, it was decided to also investigate a route on the east side of the canal. This route runs alongside the former bus lane, which was converted into a park a few years ago. The route along Mezenweg has also been reviewed.
On 23 October 2024, we organised a second residents’ evening. We shared the results of the supplementary study carried out by Movares with the council and with residents. The study examined the Mezenweg and former bus lane options in greater detail.
Take a look report.
During the PMA meeting on 14 November 2024, Councillor Nick Derks explained that a second bridge did not appear to be feasible due to European legislation. Following further discussions with ProRail and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), it appears that there are possibilities to add an additional level crossing after all, subject to the strict condition that the risk along the route remains the same. We are therefore investigating what measures are needed to ensure that the risk is not increased, and we are comparing the option involving an additional level crossing at Mezenweg with the other options.
On 13 January 2026, we organised a residents’ evening to discuss the preferred route, including an update on the development of the Safety Centre. In response to residents’ requests, the route towards Mezenweg has been re-examined. With the addition of a new level crossing over the Canal, we consider the Mezenweg to be the best option and the preferred route.
Take a look report on the information evening.
Expected schedule
- December 2026 – start of demolition of the current building
- End of 2028 – Completion of the Security Centre
More information
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