New life for the petting zoo, Filmhuis Emmen in the giraffe stable and the creation of another 1000 square meters of underground space in the former Biochron. Emmen wants to continue with the redevelopment of the Rensenpark in the coming year.
A current tour through the Rensenpark shows that there is still plenty of work to be done. The appearance of the park needs to be improved and several former animal enclosures and old zoo buildings are still empty. But it’s not like nothing happened.
The former Biochron is currently being converted into Diep art house, which will open its doors in early 2026. Former restaurant De Drommedaar is being firmly repainted and will have a new tenant. The former Asia House recently has a new tenant: youth theater Garage TDI.
Departure is a word that characterized the developments in the Rensenpark. Akka’s City Farm with animal shelter, artist group the Nachtwacht van Emmen, social workshop Toolbox and restaurant Twessers: they all left the park for different reasons.
But there are now bright spots to report, according to councilor Albert Jan Jakobs. For example, there are developments around the former petting zoo. The municipal budget has reserved 150,000 euros for the petting zoo, for its operation and costs for any renovation.
The former Biochron is also taking further shape. The delivery of the first part, including Diep, is planned for early 2026. But next to Diep there is another space of 1,000 square meters that does not yet have a destination.
The council had previously discussed an interpretation. The CDA in particular advocated a party with (inter)national allure. “We will seriously look at this next year,” said Jacobs.
In addition, the Filmhuis Emmen seems to have a place in the old giraffe stable. “There are still a few obstacles, such as maintenance and sustainability of the building. But there is a real chance that they will eventually end up there,” says Jacobs.