Do we want to build in the village or do we want to expand the village? These questions played an important role on Tuesday during the information evening where Geesbruggers could introduce their ideas for the future of the village. This makes the ambitious plans for Geesbrug a step closer.
The village has been preparing for a large ‘makeover’ for a number of years. There are plans for forty to sixty new homes, a business park and new facilities for sports and education. Commissioned by the municipality of Coevorden and Housing Collective Geesbrug, an urban development consultancy charged the possibilities of the village. The results were presented to the village on Tuesday.
At the moment there are two scenarios on the table. Scenario 1: The focus is on free, green places within the village where you can still build. Scenario 2: The focus is on expanding the village. The question to the Geesbruggers: which scenario is preferred? The villagers talked to each other and were given the opportunity to submit objections and ideas.
Opinions about the future plans are divided. “I live here on the south side of Geesbrug,” says one of inhabitants while she points on the map of Geesbrug. Her home borders one of the areas in the village where, according to the first scenario, houses can be added. “At the moment we are still looking at the green, but in the scenario where the focus is on infringement, that will disappear. Of course we don’t want that.”
Another resident questions the amount of new homes. “I just came to live here for peace and nature, forty to sixty new homes I think a lot.” Another resident agrees that there must be homes, but hopes that the village will remain green. “As long as they leave the pond, I think that’s important.”
Sander Slijkhuis also knows that there are different visions in a village with 1,400 inhabitants, who worked on the two scenarios on behalf of consultancy firm BJZ.NU. He expects that many residents will opt for the expansion scenario, but keeps all options open. Slijkhuis: “It may well be that the scenarios are completely upside down after today.”
Regardless of which scenario is preferred, that there must be new homes, many attendees are above water for many people present. “The new homes currently have the priority,” says Romilda Oelen on behalf of Housing Collective Geesbrug. Together with Local Interest Geesbrug, they are the drivers of the makeover of the village.
Oelen explains that there is a lot of demand for new starter homes from the young people. “There is a lot of emptying because young people cannot find any homes here. We do not want them to have to move to other villages, but they can also stay here if they want.” In addition to starter homes, flow -through houses and care homes are also on the plan. Oelen: “We want to make the village attractive to everyone.”
Based on all collected information, a new plan is expected to be submitted to the Geesbruggers this summer.