Questions and answers on emergency shelter Waleweingaarde

Is it true that asbestos has been found in the building?

Yes, that’s correct. During the refurbishment of the emergency accommodation centre, asbestos was released. Once this was discovered, the COA closed the centre as a precaution and commissioned an investigation to determine exactly where the asbestos was located. All temporary residents have been rehoused at another COA site in Breda. The municipality of Apeldoorn and the COA are now working together to determine the best approach for the emergency shelter’s continued use of the building. In any case, the emergency shelter will remain closed during the summer months. The COA has announced that asbestos removal work on the first floor will begin in mid-August.

What is the difference between an emergency shelter and an asylum seekers’ centre?

Emergency accommodation is basic, temporary accommodation without facilities such as a private bedroom. Refugees sleep here in dormitories with several other people.

They live in an asylum seekers’ centre and lead a more independent life. They take care of their household, take the children to school and prepare for their future through programmes or voluntary work.

Why isn’t the emergency shelter in a hotel?

We want hotels to remain available for tourism. That is why no additional hotels within our municipality are being used to provide accommodation.

Why was this location chosen?

This building is partially vacant and offers sufficient indoor and outdoor space for childcare facilities. The local authority owns the building.

Who is cared for at the Waleweingaarde?

At present, the emergency shelter is not in use.

How many more refugees will Apeldoorn take in?

We are accommodating 600 people on Deventerstraat in Apeldoorn. We are accommodating a total of 281 people at two temporary sites in Beekbergen and Loenen. The COA is looking for a permanent solution to replace these two temporary sites.

How are the refugees being supported?

The COA carries this out in collaboration with partners such as Vluchtelingenwerk. All adult asylum seekers take part in an information programme covering, amongst other things, the local area, rules of conduct both inside and outside the reception centre, and social etiquette. In addition, there are clear house rules. Residents must adhere to these; the COA may take action in the event of any breaches.

Is there a focus group or a residents’ consultation group?

Yes. Every COA site holds a consultation with local stakeholders, such as local residents, shopkeepers, business owners and community organisations/associations. The COA organises this. If you would like to know more about this, please send an email to the site manager of the emergency accommodation centre. The email address is fmmzapeldoornwaleweingaarde@coa.nl.

Is there anything I can help with?

Many volunteers, whether from organisations, businesses or as individuals, are active in providing support to asylum seekers. People also regularly ask the Apeldoorn council what they can do. On the the COA’s website You can find information about this here.

What measures are in place to ensure that emergency childcare runs smoothly?

The local authority has experience with reception centres in several locations in and around Apeldoorn. Generally speaking, local residents experience little or no disruption from these centres. The COA is responsible for security and management within the reception centre. That is why security staff are on duty 24 hours a day, house rules apply, and there are procedures in place for dealing with anyone who fails to comply with the rules.

The local authority is responsible for the public spaces and the living environment around the site. Together with the COA, the police and other parties directly involved, a management plan has been drawn up to ensure a safe and liveable environment around the reception centre. Measures may be adjusted depending on how things go in practice.

View the management plan (PDF, 517 kB)

Is there security?

Yes. Every COA site holds a consultation with local stakeholders, such as local residents, shopkeepers, business owners and community organisations/associations. The COA organises this. If you would like to know more about this, please send an email to the site manager of the emergency accommodation centre. The email address is fmmzapeldoornwaleweingaarde@coa.nl.

How does the local authority deal with demonstrations regarding emergency accommodation and public disorder?

The municipality of Apeldoorn believes it is important that everyone should be able to demonstrate peacefully and make their views heard.

At the same time, the local authority is responsible for ensuring a safe living environment and maintaining public order. That is why the situation is being carefully assessed. Action is taken against criminal offences. If necessary, measures are taken to safeguard public safety, such as an emergency order, an emergency by-law or the designation of a safety risk area.

Anyone wishing to hold a demonstration in the municipality of Apeldoorn is invited to get in touch. The municipality will then assess whether and how this can be facilitated. For contact details, please visit contact with the local council.

Will there be a permanent childcare facility at this location?

That is not yet known. The COA will, however, investigate whether this location could be suitable as a long-term accommodation facility once the emergency shelter period has ended. If the answer to that is ‘yes’, the local council will have to decide on the matter. The council will involve the residents of Apeldoorn in this process. A licence will also be required. It will be possible to lodge an objection in this regard.

Can I still object to the establishment of the emergency shelter?

On 26 May 2026, the local authority granted licences to the COA for temporary emergency accommodation, the installation of temporary units and alterations to the interior of the building. The deadline for lodging objections has now passed. You can no longer lodge an objection to the permits.

The licences granted have been published in the Apeldoorn Municipal Gazette via the links below:

• Environmental permit for a ‘Temporary emergency accommodation facility’
• Planning permission for ‘Installation of temporary units and internal alterations to the building’

You can find more information about the licences via these links.