Ekkersrijt Shelter
The municipality is exploring options for setting up temporary emergency housing for 150 to 200 asylum seekers at the Science Park 5041 site in Ekkersrijt. The municipal executive made this decision on July 14, 2026.
Why a temporary shelter?
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) is facing a severe shortage of reception facilities, and a crisis situation has been ongoing for some time. On behalf of the Rijksoverheid , the King’s Commissioner has made Rijksoverheid urgent appeal to the municipality to set up temporary emergency housing. The municipality intends to respond to this appeal and, from a humanitarian perspective, contribute to the temporary housing of asylum seekers who need protection.
Why Science Park 5041?
The Science Park 5041 site will be available soon and offers good potential for being converted into a temporary shelter in the near future.
What's going to happen now?
The municipality will begin work on the procurement process and agreements regarding implementation and management by an external party, agreements with the landowner, funding from the COA, a layout plan, determining the number of shelter spaces, the duration of the shelter, and the choice of the applicable zoning procedure.
When will more information be available?
The municipal executive is expected to make a final decision on the shelter in August of this year. More information will be available then. We will keep you updated on this page.
Who is being cared for?
The composition of the group of asylum seekers that the municipality plans to house is not yet known. We do know, however, that all individuals who will be temporarily housed have registered in Ter Apel and are currently going through the asylum process. They are awaiting the outcome of that process.
When will the daycare center open?
That is not known. The council has yet to make a final decision.
Who will manage the location?
The plan is for the municipality to provide the facilities for the shelter. The shelter will then be managed by a professional, experienced organization. The municipal executive will make a final decision on this in August.
How long will the venue be open?
That is not known. The council has yet to make a final decision.
Who will pay for the daycare?
The COA covers the full cost of this shelter.
Has the community been informed?
Local businesses have been informed of the council’s decision. The municipality will inform surrounding businesses and other stakeholders as soon as there is more clarity regarding a potential location. It will also specify the times when questions can be asked or comments can be submitted.
Can I sign up to be a volunteer?
As soon as this is possible, we will post an update on our website.
Can I file an objection?
That can happen once the municipal executive makes a final decision to approve the location. At that point, the zoning process will begin.
Do you have any questions?
Please contact us at opvangekkersrijt@sonenbreugel.nl
Location: Van den Elsenstraat
You can find more information about the shelter on V.d. Elsenstraat here.