haarlemJun 2, 2026, 12:00

Mayor closes building due to illegal gambling

Mayor Jos Wienen ordered the six-month closure of a business premises on Hendrik Figeeweg in Haarlem on June 2, 2026, after a police raid uncovered illegal high-stakes poker games and drugs. The inspection revealed that the site was being used for structural illegal gambling, leading authorities to take action to protect public safety and prevent further criminal activity.

Politics Business Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlem. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Haarlem takes financial risk with new Spaarne Gasthuis construction

Haarlem is assuming significant financial risk by providing a 100 million euro guarantee and committing to purchase the current hospital site for 25 million euros to keep the Spaarne Gasthuis in the city. The initiative ensures 24-hour emergency care remains in Haarlem, though the city has deferred requirements for building staff housing.

More than 76,000 rental homes have already disappeared from the market – landlords complain about affordable rent legislation

Since the introduction of the Affordable Rent Act in 2024, over 76,000 rental homes have been sold off by landlords across the Netherlands, tightening housing supply. Rental prices are simultaneously rising faster than inflation, with Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and Haarlem remaining among the most expensive areas for tenants.

Spaarne Gasthuis to build entirely new hospital in Haarlem

Spaarne Gasthuis plans to build a new hospital in Haarlem-Zuid by 2033 to consolidate clinical and emergency care services. Consequently, the Hoofddorp branch will be repurposed into a day hospital for outpatient treatments and diagnostic services.

Waste bin full? Future sensors may sound the alarm

The municipality is testing fill-level sensors in waste containers to optimize collection routes and reduce trash accumulation on streets. A pilot project is currently underway, with plans to potentially expand the use of this technology across the city by early 2028.

Westeinder campsite residents back in court: 'compensation too low'

Residents of Camping De Westeinder have returned to court in Haarlem to challenge the inadequate compensation offered by developer Kleen Estate for their forced relocation. Many residents rely on the park for permanent housing due to the local housing crisis and argue that the current offers are insufficient to cover relocation costs or provide alternative shelter.