Barendrecht and Rotterdam negotiate asylum center access

The municipality of Barendrecht is in ongoing discussions with Rotterdam regarding the accessibility and infrastructure for a planned asylum seeker center (AZC) in the Zuidelijk Randpark. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) has proposed using the Maeterlinckweg as the primary access route, but this plan faces significant political opposition from Rotterdam because the road is located within Rotterdam's territory.

While the location and existence of the center are finalized, the Barendrecht municipal government will soon launch an online consultation. This allows residents and stakeholders to provide input on the center's design and its impact on the surrounding area, specifically concerning safety, livability, traffic congestion, and local facilities. The municipality aims to sign a management agreement with the COA by December 2026.

Until the new facility is operational, the existing emergency shelter at Zuider Carnisseweg will remain in use. Once the new center is ready, current residents will be the first to be relocated there, after which the emergency shelter will be closed.