Oostwijk residents managed to prevent the demolition of 38 homes in their neighborhood last year. Now the Woonwaard housing association seems to only want to renovate the eight post-war rental homes. The thirty pre-war houses, the oldest social rented houses in Koedijk, have to make way for new construction.
Media partner reports that Alkmaar Central† In the summer of 2020, Woonwaard announced that it wanted to demolish the 38 homes in Schoolstraat and Burgemeester W. Kooimanstraat to make room for around 60 new homes and more parking spaces.
Asterix and Obelix
This led to objections from residents who pointed to the cultural-historical value of the neighbourhood. According to them, renovation was sufficient. They collected 460 signatures and protested in a playful way: Oostwijk as het Gaul of Asterix and Obelix against Woonwaard, alias the Romans.
And with success. There was a started research into the historical value by the aesthetics committee, and Woonwaard came up with a renovation plan in December that the residents were happy with. But now the corporation seems to have changed its mind again: in a new plan, only the eight post-war homes will be renovated.
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If Woonwaard wants to demolish it, it must apply for a permit, explains alderman Pieter Dijkman. Important in this regard is the judgment of the welfare committee. “If the neighborhood has no historical value, then there is no reason for the municipality not to grant the permit.”
“If that is the case, then the municipality will deal with it.” We are now waiting for the report of the welfare committee. According to Dijkman, it won’t be long before this is ready.
Watch here how the Oostwijkers protested in August: