The real major work on the redevelopment of the area will follow at a later date, probably around the summer. “The exact planning for this is currently being drawn up,” says Nanninga. “Which also takes into account various events during the summer period.”
The market-port area – roughly between the town hall and the Stedelijk Museum – will receive a complete metamorphosis in phases in the near future. This area is currently dominated by parked tin, but soon a green living room will be created, with plenty of space for walking and recreation. But less space to park. Of the 92 parking spaces, 18 remain.
The new area – under the name Kasteelpark Coevorden – must connect with the recent redevelopment of the Weeshuisweide, on the other side of the town hall. On the side of the old Rabobank building, the old harbor is partly being excavated again. The plan is for a kind of concrete water tank with a stand here. The idea is that there can be a layer of water in the tank, but it can also be dry, so that there is room for different activities.
A water element with fountains, named Koevoorde, will be placed centrally on the newly designed market square. The catering square will also receive a metamorphosis. Last year, the city council agreed to an investment of almost six million euros for this project. A covered market hall is planned centrally in the entire area to be developed. A decision has yet to be made about that hall – estimated at another 1.6 million euros. “That will happen soon,” says Nanninga.