The reception of asylum seekers in the former browse green school in Paterswolde will close from 1 July. The asylum seekers’ center (AZC) still offers accommodation to families with children.
The school was put into use in December 2021 as a temporary reception location for a maximum of 148 asylum seekers. The agreement between the municipality of Tynaarlo and the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) already expired on 1 June 2024. It was agreed that the AZC would remain open until the ground was needed for something else.
That moment is therefore starting on July 1. The Mayor and Aldermen College believes closure is necessary due to the planned housing at the location of the former leaf green school. Tynaarlo wants more social rental properties in the municipality. At the beginning of 2026 it wants to start construction.
In addition, the Commission states that the building is outdated and is not equipped for long -term use. The COA indicates that the building still meets the requirements. On the other hand, the municipality puts the building gradually declining in recent years.
Finally, giving a closing date would give local residents clarity.
Tynaarlo is unable to offer a replacement place to the asylum seekers, while the city council has requested the college for this. The current residents of the AZC are spread throughout the country. Children who still have to finish the school year only have to move during the holidays.
In October the municipality wants to determine where a new AZC to be built will be. The intention is that there will eventually be 250 to 500 reception places in the municipality. With the upcoming closure of the AZC in Paterswolde, Tynaarlo has a shortage of reception places for the time being and does not meet the requirements set for municipalities in the Spreading Act.