A maximum of eight families with a residence permit (status holders) will move into Villa Maria in Smilde from January. Part of the space in the former town hall on Hoofdweg is unused and may later serve as a shelter for Ukrainian refugees.
The municipality of Midden-Drenthe informed residents this evening. An on-site information meeting will follow at a later date.
The municipality says it has already been in talks with local residents, but is now coming out with the plans earlier than planned after rumors circulated about an asylum seekers shelter. “On social media, the suggestion has been made that asylum seekers are housed in Villa Maria. That is not the case. It concerns families with a residence permit,” the municipality emphasizes in a letter to Smildegers. “In addition, the security situation in Ukraine also remains uncertain. That is why we continue to reserve part of Villa Maria for the possible reception of Ukrainian refugees.”
The monumental building is currently empty. The building must be converted into an apartment complex with homes for the elderly and starters. The paperwork for this is not yet complete. “In the meantime, the location has been reserved for temporary reception of Ukrainians,” reports Midden-Drenthe. “At the moment, the reception for Ukrainian refugees is no longer as urgent as six months ago. At the same time, the housing shortage of people with a residence permit is great.”
While the municipality is looking for permanent accommodation, the families can get used to Central Drenthe. “The residents of the location will start the integration process as soon as possible under the guidance of refugee work and the municipality,” the municipality writes. “They learn the Dutch language, how everything is arranged in the Netherlands in terms of manners, money, education and health care.”