What to do with vacant stores? In Roosendaal they know what to do with it: last year 55 vacant buildings were transformed into houses. As a result, the city is in the top three of centers with the strongest decrease in vacancy, even above Amsterdam. This is according to a report from research agency Locatus.
“I am very proud that we are number one when it comes to reducing vacancy,” says alderman Sanneke Vermeulen. “Of course we do that well as Roosendaal.” The council’s secret? “I think the magic word is daring to make choices. That is the most important thing.”
Since 2014, the municipality has had concrete plans to combat vacancy and reduce the size of the city centre. “I think that customization is needed for each municipality. In Roosendaal, we mainly saw problems with retail properties. We then opted to get the retail segment to one place.”
The buildings that remain will be given a new function. “For example, by setting up events, catering establishments and homes, you remain attractive as a city and it is very nice to live in the city center.” For example, it was decided that 130 apartments will be built in the former V&D building. In the future, the Doctor Brabersstraat will only consist of homes.
“Where the counter used to be, our living room is now.”
Houses are also made of smaller shops. Pieter Priem lives in one of those houses, right in the center of Roosendaal. “I’m proud of it,” he says when he stands in front of the building. “This used to be a whole glass front, now you see three windows and a front door. Where the counter used to be, is now our living room. I’m very happy with it.”
“You can see that this used to be a shop and that it really is an old building.”
Pieter has deliberately chosen to live in the middle of the center. “I get all kinds of things here, that’s great fun. You also notice that people really enjoy seeing that this is now a house. I hear them talking about it outside when I’m in the kitchen,” he laughs. The fact that his house was still a shop recently makes it extra special for him. For example, Pieter has kept thick beams near the ceiling. “This way you can see that this used to be a shop and that it really is an old building.”
Pieter finds it good to see that Roosendaal combats vacancy so well. “That makes the street a lot more pleasant and liveable.”