The former Blokker building on the Vaart Zuidzijde in New Amsterdam/Veenoord will soon be making way for a modern apartment complex. Project developer Saxum & Firmum Vastgoed wants to build 21 apartments at the location, spread over four layers, with a commercial space on the ground floor. The building is named ‘De Galanterie’, a nod to the department store that once sat there, before the Blokker moved in.
During the committee meeting of the municipality of Emmen on Monday evening, councilors expressed a positive point of view about the plan. The permit is ready, but still has to be approved by the city council. It looks like this is already a race won.
Council members of various parties responded enthusiastically. VVD member Anita Scheper called it “a good addition” that strengthens the center of New Amsterdam. Richard Zuidenveld of the PvdA also supports the plan. “The current building is empty and no longer fits in the area. This new building makes the center more inviting and lively.”
Johan Nobbe (CDA) called it a nice plan, but expressed concern about the limited number of parking spaces (24). In addition, just like Bernadette van der Woude (GroenLinks), he argued for space for social rental properties within the project.
Alderman Albert Jan Jakobs (Wakker Emmen) acknowledged the wish, but stated that New Amsterdam already has a high proportion of social rent, more than a third of the total housing supply. “This addition of 21 apartments does not endanger that balance,” said Jakobs. According to him, the developer has made a maximum effort and the offer will soon consist of 13 free sector rental properties (around 1,500 euros per month) and 8 owner -occupied apartments up to 4.5 tons.
The plan must ensure an impulse in the center area of the twin village. The addition of a commercial space on the ground floor, at the request of the local middle class, must bring extra excitement to the Vaart Zuidzijde.
If the city council agrees at the end of this month as expected, the environmental permit can be officially granted.