The owners of the Veerkwartier in Haarlem are pulling the plug on the renovation plans. The temporary pavilion could be converted into a permanent catering facility at the Veerplas. But delays in the permitting process left that plan on the shelf for years. Due to enormously increased construction costs and interest, it is no longer feasible, despite a rescue plan with the support of many Haarlem residents.
“We’re stopping,” reports owner Merel Janssen. “It’s getting too expensive for us.” She sounds dull on the phone when she explains why her four business partners made this decision. After another conversation with the builder and the bank, they no longer agree.
She finds it bittersweet that they have put the Veerplas back on the map as a hotspot. “And now we won’t see how this fantastic place on the edge of the city becomes even more beautiful.”
Second-hand sea containers
After eight years in second-hand shipping containers, a greenhouse and a tent canvas, three years ago they were given the right to build a permanent pavilion at the Veerplas on the edge of the Waarderpolder business park. The plan they made is sustainable and forms one whole with the environment. They completed their dream with an amphitheater and a play island.
The municipality and the recreation board also saw the usefulness of upgrading the Veerplas through their plans. A plan is ready for deck and stroll paths and play islands in the water. Pavilion Het Veerkwartier would take a central place in this. “Not one hyped up conceptbut a pleasantly nonchalant appearance,” Merel said enthusiastically earlier.
Support
Despite the support of more than a hundred Haarlem residents their ambition, the fundraising campaign is not enough to absorb the financial blows. The counter stood at 240 thousand euros and the promotion would run for another 24 days. “But we want to create clarity before Christmas, for us, for the investors and for loyal visitors.”
“Another entrepreneur with the same heart for this place and a bigger wallet can take over our plan for the construction of a sustainable pavilion.”