The construction of the Knarrenhof in Marum, with homes for the elderly and young people, will take some time. If the plan even goes ahead.
It’s make or break. This is what Hans Koenders (72) says about the construction of the Knarrenhof in Marum. “Sales are difficult, increased construction costs result in a higher price tag. It increased from 280,000 euros to 355,000 euros.” The ten cheapest homes go to social rent.
Koenders is the instigator of the project. “That started when I was a councilor at the municipality, before the reorganization. I was challenged at the time to do something about housing shortages.” The plans are now concrete, on the site of the primary school in Molenstraat. This will make way for 22 homes and 6 starter homes, or tiny houses.
That is, if the plan goes ahead. Before construction can start, at least 19 homes must be under option. At the moment there are 12.
‘Old-fashioned neighborly decency’
A Knarrenhof is a modern courtyard. A place for, as the website states, ‘old-fashioned neighborly decency and neighborliness’. The houses are arranged in a square with a communal garden in the center.
The idea for this form of housing arose more than ten years ago by Peter Prak from Groningen. Eight Knarrenhofjes have now been built in the Netherlands and three are under construction, but none in Groningen. If it is up to Koenders and the other initiators, this will change. Although the question remains how long.
Not only the elderly, but also young people
Normally, it is mainly pensioners who inhabit such courtyards. Things are different in Marum. They hope to attract starters with tiny houses. That’s not going very well: during a meeting, Rick van Dijken (22) was by far the youngest.
Van Dijken comes from Marum and has been looking for his own place to live for some time. He does not have enough points for a reasonable home within social housing. A mortgage for a ‘normal’ owner-occupied home in the area is not an option for starters. A tiny house is a good middle ground. “To live for five years and then sell.”
‘I work every day so a tea party is not an option’
What does he think of the courtyard? “I work every day, so a tea party is not an option. But it is an ideal location so close to the center, with a neighborhood concept. You only buy the land on which the house is located, the greenery around it is a community garden that we create together.”
In addition to being the initiator, Koenders is one of the future residents of the courtyard. “As far as I’m concerned, the Knarrenhof was already ready. I am convinced that it will work. Just a little slower than hoped.”