Despite residents’ anger, the town of Kerpen is building accommodation for 700 refugees, with prayer rooms, separate tea rooms for men and women, and daily catering.

Construction of a central accommodation facility for “refugees” in Kerpen (Rhein-Erft district) is set to begin soon. In spite of local protest, housing for 700 migrants will be built, with particular attention given to their religious needs.

A year ago, Kerpen’s town council unanimously approved the construction of a new facility capable of housing up to 700 migrants, known as te central accommodation facility (ZUE). The council argued that the state of North Rhine-Westphalia would cover all staffing and material costs of running the centre, as well as the upkeep of the building and the living expenses of the residents during its operation. Construction is due to begin later this year or by the first quarter of 2026 at the latest, with the facility expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Last year, the planned ZUE sparked criticism and protests from residents.

Locals felt ignored during the planning process and said they had not been properly informed. More than 1,000 residents of Kerpen signed a petition against the hostel’s construction, but the council nevertheless voted unanimously in favour of the project.

Comments attached to the petition reveal a range of reasons why Kerpen residents oppose another large refugee facility, foremost among them security concerns — for example, that the route to a nearby school passes directly by the planned site. At a public meeting, however, police dismissed these worries, saying there was “no heightened violence among refugees” and that Kerpen police were well prepared to deal with crime.

Many locals argue that such a large hostel next to a residential area and a school of some 2,000 pupils is not a solution for either refugees or the local population.

Further concerns are also voiced on the petition website. Some argue that the Rhein-Erft district has already taken in enough refugees.

“Enough is enough, you cannot save the whole world,” wrote one commenter. Another added: “I am now worried about society and believe we are pushing past the limits of social acceptance. I basically support the refugee issue and believe our state should meet its international responsibilities. But we cannot entirely sacrifice our Western values if too many arrive who do not respect those values.”

Another comment said:

“There’s no money for education and pensioners, but there is for refugees. At some point this has to stop.”

One local resident commented:

“I don’t even like shopping in Kerpen after 6 pm any more! I always feel like I’m the only German woman in the shop. There are already far too many refugees!”

Demnächst beginnt der Bau einer Zentralen Unterbringungseinrichtung für „Flüchtlinge“ in Kerpen (Rhein-Erft-Kreis). Trotz Widerstandes der Anwohner sollen Räume für 700 Migranten geschaffen werden – mit viel Rücksicht auf deren religiöse Bedürfnisse. https://t.co/GuDAiQdEAe pic.twitter.com/fNyGwvCNVS

— NIUS (@niusde_) September 16, 2025

Luxury Hostel for Refugees

Questions around infrastructure — police, cleaning, nurseries, schools, medical care, maintenance, security services, social provision and local administration — also remain unresolved. The petition was submitted to Mayor Dieter Spurck (CDU), but it did not alter the city’s plans.

Spurck accepted the petition but did not respond to the objections.

Around 60 per cent of the residents are expected to be single men (“travelling alone”), with 40 per cent families. The accommodation will consist of two-storey container units with four-bed rooms.

Facilities will include a dining hall, a kiosk, prayer rooms and separate tea houses for men and women.

Five staff will provide round-the-clock support, alongside security, medical services and so-called environment managers.

Integration measures are also planned, such as voluntary German language classes, advice on life in Germany and the asylum process, and games and sports activities are also offered.

To fund the 2026 budget, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will need to take on around 4.5 billion euros in new debt, but no expense or effort is being spared for migrant provision.

As cooking will not be allowed in the hostel for safety and hygiene reasons, a catering company will provide three meals a day. These will reportedly be halal, according to nius.de.