“The first, preliminary design is discussed by the municipality, after which a final design is made,” Marijke Elshof explains. “After the consultation round, it goes back to the municipal council. But the council has previously approved the plans, so in principle the light is green.”
Kick the ground
“We hope that the first shovel can be dug in 2026, but that will probably only be after the summer,” says Elshof. She is positive about the collaboration with the municipality. “We have a permanent contact person who is also very enthusiastic. It is also showing courage on the part of the municipal council, they really put the making of the plans in the hands of the neighborhood. That is also educational for the municipality for other major projects in the future .”
A little further on, on the Disselkade along the Spaarne, where the stately, new ‘canal houses’ have been built, we meet local resident Ad de Veld. He and other local residents managed to make the small square between the quay and the De Adriaan mill greener. This resulted in three large green areas.
‘Beautiful part of the city’
“This is a really beautiful part of the city,” De Veld beams. “You have the mill, the Oerkap city beach and De Koepel. It is becoming more and more attractive here, it is really beautiful.”
With the arrival of the Groene Singel and the redesign of the Papentorenvest, the neighborhood will only become more beautiful. Even if it is a matter of patience.