A lively village center where people come together, where there is room for a party and daily shopping. That’s what ‘Fenderts’, residents of Fijnaart, want. And that will happen, because the municipality of Moerdijk will receive 1 million from the cabinet to improve the center of Fijnaart. “We are very happy with that, because we want to make the center even more beautiful and attractive. Then an extra million will help,” says councilor Danny Dingemans.
Fijnaart is a rural village with about 5,600 inhabitants, of which Frans Bauer is the best known. It is a great place to be, but according to residents, the center could use some improvements. That is why the municipality of Moerdijk, which includes Fijnaart, has drawn up a development plan. A subsidy was requested for that plan.
Minister Dirk Beljaarts of Economic Affairs announced on Tuesday that the plan for Fijnaart has been approved. The municipality will receive one million to implement that plan. A total of thirteen municipalities will receive 22 million euros from the government to tackle their shopping areas. The Brabant municipalities of Bergen op Zoom and Halderberge also receive a budget for this.
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During a tour through the center of Fijnaart, Alderman Dingemans explains how the municipality wants to spend the money. “The intention is for a neighborhood square to be created at the Kadedijk. We really want all people who live in Fijnaart to come to the center for daily shopping, but also for an event and catering. And that the whole thing will have a nice appearance. .”
Now there is only a supermarket just outside the village. “We are now at the location where we want to bring the supermarket,” says Dingemans from the Kadedijk. “And on the other side you see the church. There is a nursing home around the church. So we also want activities for the elderly.”
There are more and more vacant shop premises in Fijnaart. “That is a development that we certainly see in the smaller centers, but shops are also disappearing in large cities. You have to think carefully about how it will not become holey cheese, but a compact shopping center with basic facilities.”
Fun all year round
The councilor wants to achieve this, among other things, by choosing certain stores. “A supermarket, drugstore, flower shop, a bakery. People still like to go to the store for that. You can supplement that with a clothing and glasses store.” In addition, the municipality wants the center to be pleasant all year round, not just when there is an event.
Dingemans himself still has a big wish. “To take out a lot of the tin that’s here and replace it with greenery,” he says, referring to the parked cars. “It is nice for the retailer if customers can park in front of the door. So you have to ensure that there are parking spaces in other places, for example at the supermarket.”
The improvement of the center will be carried out in steps in the near future. “For the supermarket, I estimate that it could take another two to three years before it is available. Other parts could go a bit faster,” says Dingemans. “And ultimately people make the center. Although the change will certainly help to ensure that people enjoy coming there.”