There may be some doubt about the financing, but the GOMOS football club and the Norger Tennis Club appear to be allowed to continue with their new construction plans. A large majority of the council likes the plans.
Most of the discussion seems to be about the plans of VV GOMOS. The club has submitted a plan worth three million euros for a new building, for which it must arrange 1.2 million itself. The remaining money must come from a subsidy from the municipality of Noordenveld.
“The current building is forty years old and at the end of its lifespan,” said brand new chairman Edwin Blokzijl on behalf of the football club. There is also a lack of space, according to Blokzijl, partly due to the increasing popularity of women’s football.
GOMOS believes it can cover the amount of 1.2 million euros by raising funds and the BOSA subsidy scheme (Incentive for the construction and maintenance of sports facilities). Through this arrangement, the association can already expect to receive €600,000.
Criticism came mainly from the CDA corner. Councilor Astrid Westra says she has reservations about the financing. “I am having difficulty with the wish list. What if this plan turns out not to be financially feasible? Does GOMOS have a major problem?”
Councilor Alex Wekema (PvdA/GroenLinks) tried to reassure her by saying that GOMOS can possibly simplify the plan. “In addition, they only have to pay a maximum of 10 to 20 percent of the total costs themselves.”
Wekema further states that the municipality keeps a finger on the pulse during the process. “We also do this with the Sporthuis Peize. We have periodic consultations with the association and the project leader.”
To do everything within the set budget, GOMOS has to do a lot itself. Councilor Wekema does not think that will be a problem. “If there’s one club I’m not worried about self-reliance, it’s GOMOS. Just look at how many volunteers come there on the annual job day.”
Wekema has the same confidence in the Norger Tennis Association. Chairman Roelof Smilda briefly outlined the shortcomings of the current building: too small, too old. “We want to solve that for the next forty, maybe even fifty years. That is possible with this plan.”
The plan involves a new building with a cost of nine thousand euros. The municipality of Noordenveld wants to pay 540,000 euros, the rest must come from the tennis club. A realistic plan, according to the municipality and the association. But here too, CDA councilor Westra has her doubts. “Can a small association support this?”
Both Norger associations seem to be able to count on support from the council. A decision will be made next Wednesday.