Real estate developer Gerhard van den Berg is disappointed, and also frustrated. He has been on the road in Assen for two years to transform a dilapidated factory complex on Julianastraat in Assen into a beautiful residential complex. With a neighborhood center as a bonus. But especially the last part towards the permit, which stops route.
And the cooperation was still fine in the beginning, in recent months, developer and architect have mainly become frustrated with the stream of papers that they still want at the town hall.
Every time Van den Berg thinks they get green light for the renovation, there must be extra pieces towards the municipality. Because every time there are new requirements. In the meantime, the building is falling into decline. “Sometimes we have to call it ten times before you hear something. And when you finally have contact, things are suddenly different again.”
For example, according to the municipal spokesperson, Van den Berg and his architect have to ‘only provide further substantiation’. Because the position of business premises changes to residential destination. For example, acoustic research is still needed, and also around parking and traffic a few things have to be further motivated.
There is a parking space in front and behind the building and extra space on the cattle market site. “Waiting for that, for that substantiation. If there is, that permit can be fast. But it is with the developer himself,” says municipal spokesperson Eddy Beuker.
Van den Berg’s lecture is another. “For weeks it is said to me and the architect, that they would take care of that substantiation at the town hall. And then you suddenly hear, weeks later, that ours should come. So it doesn’t make any progress.”
In 2023, the real estate developer launched his plan of action for the complex in the Julianastraat that once served as a brush factory of the Jewish family Godschalk. Because it is historical heritage, demolition of the building is not desirable. Hence a transformation of business premises in residential complex.
Downstairs four apartments for seniors must come, and above four residential units for starters. Furthermore, there is a space available on the ground floor to set up as a neighborhood center. “Everyone in the neighborhood was happy that there was finally a nice plan, but everything that happens is nothing,” sighs Van den Berg.
Van den Berg had also involved the neighborhood in the redevelopment to hear what wishes lived there. In addition to homes, they would also like a neighborhood meeting place. That is why space has been reserved for a neighborhood center on the ground floor. To the great joy of the neighborhood.
The hope was to start the renovation at the beginning of 2024, so that the first residents could pull in at the end of that year. “But in the meantime we are more than a year later, and nothing is happening yet. I don’t quite get it. There is a housing shortage, there is a wonderful plan here, the neighborhood is happy with it, the municipality is enthusiastic, so get started. What is the waiting for now.”
The developer wants to emphasize that he was initially very pleased with all the cooperation of the municipality of Assen. “And still, by the way, with certain people. There were good conversations, everyone was very positive about it. But that last blow to it, it will not come. While it would come early this year. We are now almost half a year later, that frustrates.”