Update: refugee accommodation in Kapel & Convict

In April 2023, we reported on the planned use of the former monastery Kapel & Convict at Prinses Irenestraat 19 for the temporary accommodation (for two years) of approximately 100 refugees from Ukraine. The necessary renovation works have been on hold since June 2023, but are expected to resume after the summer of 2024. The accommodation for Ukrainian refugees is now expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2025.

Period of accommodation increased to five years

On 9 July 2024, the Amsterdam City Executive decided to extend the period in which accommodation will be provided from two to five years, initially housing Ukrainians for the first three years. After this period, we will assess whether there is still a need for accommodation for Ukrainians or whether other refugees can be provided with accommodation instead. It is necessary to extend this period of accommodation in order to be able to justify the increased (construction) costs for additional works.

Increased costs

The unexpectedly higher costs have been caused by increases in the cost of construction. In addition, the building has proved to be in a worse condition than thought, requiring us to make additional adaptations, primarily on the windows and façades, in order to make the refugee accommodation possible. An environmental permit is needed for these changes and that has now been applied for. Finally, the intense pressure on the Amsterdam electricity grid is creating challenges in terms of providing power to Kapel & Convict.

Council decision

The Kapel & Convict buildings are located in what is known as Amsterdam’s Main Green Structure (Hoofdgroenstructuur), intended to protect and preserve key green areas in the city. Since the creation of refugee accommodation at this location is not permitted with the Main Green Structure, a City Council decision on this was necessary. That decision has been in place since September of last year. However, the decision was based on the previous plans for an accommodation period of two years, which means a Council decision is now needed for the extension to five years. This is expected to follow in September 2024. After that, the Environmental Service can grant an environmental permit to deviate from the environmental plan (previously zoning plan).

We will of course keep you informed of developments.

Schedule

• Environmental permit for works publication on amsterdam.nl
• Works scheduled to resume after the summer of 2024
• Council decision approving the creation of refugee accommodation at this location in the Main Green Structure September 2024
• Environmental permit to deviate from the environmental plan September/October 2024
• Refugee accommodation from early 2025 until early 2030