5000 square meters
Facet’s current accommodation on Noorderplein covers approximately 3,500 square meters, spread over four floors. Despite that space, it is necessary to organize some activities elsewhere. “We sometimes even hold work meetings outside the door. We recently held the final of the reading competition in Rensenpark.”
In the coming period, there must really be replacement space, according to Stiekema. The director sees a central location in the city center such as Mondriaanplein as a good alternative. “The Pavilion Building stands out for us, and the lion’s share of that building is empty. We can fill four to five thousand square meters there. Together with partners, such as a tourist information point, catering, for music teachers or a heritage organization.”
commotion
The location in question, just like the surrounding area, has been struggling with vacancy for years. The real estate manager recently indicated that it will be difficult to fill in with only shops. It would be ideal for Facet. “Open, accessible, central, so in our view very suitable. Moreover, such an interpretation can again cause a bit of commotion in that area.”
Stiekema also expects that a move does not have to cost the top prize. “It is difficult to fill the place with retail. The top floor of the Pavilion Building, for example, has been empty for ten years. With us you have a party that stays for a longer period of time, possibly up to twenty years. In that respect we form an attractive partner for both the landlord and the environment.”