The center renovation of Emmer-Compascuum will not be completed until the second quarter of 2027. Alderman Albert Jan Jakobs reported this after questions from Wakker Emmen. There is also interest in the vacant buildings of the former Aldi and clothing store of Henk Ten Hoor.
Almost three years ago, grand plans were announced for Emmer-Compascuum. The municipality of Emmen paid 20 million euros for renovations in the peat village. A new school and a new sports hall were built and the local sports park was also thoroughly renovated. However, the final agreement, the renewal of the public area, is still pending.
Reason for councilor René van der Weide of Wakker Emmen to sound the alarm at the council. Van der Weide was responsible for this file as alderman until his retirement in 2024. At the time, he expected the job to be completed by 2025 at the latest.
The idea is to design the center area as a shared space, where the asphalt is exchanged for clinkers. The area will become much greener and will have more parking spaces. The centrally located Main Canal will be widened in three places to allow recreational boaters to moor in the center (Emmer-Compascuum is located on the Veenvaart).
According to the councilor, more and additional research is necessary, including in the field of archeology and flora and fauna. Furthermore, the price tag must again be critically examined due to increased construction prices. Finally, further coordination with the province and the water board is required regarding the widening of the canal. Implementation will take more than a year and a half.
He also reported that there is a potential buyer for the vacant retail properties in Emmer-Compascuum. “We may be able to report more about this this week.” Discussions are also ongoing about plans for apartments at the location of the Schomaker/Van Uffelen clothing store.