A permanent location had been on the wish list for a while, but it took a while before it was actually found. For a long time, Young Hilversummers was at the adult version Hilversummers.nl on the Korte Noorderweg. But the youth platform wants to stand on its own two feet and that requires its own location.
Finding a suitable space proved to be very difficult, even after several pressures from politicians at the council. For a long time, a location on the Larenseweg seemed to be the home base, but that did not happen.
Himself in action mode
Because that deal was not completed, Young Hilversummers itself took action. Seven months ago, Youssef said that the building on ‘s-Gravelandseweg was their dream location.
With a lot of help from the municipality, Youssef says, we worked hard behind the scenes to make this dream come true. They already had the key in September and The Basement has now been furnished. But nothing was set in stone yet. Everything revolved around whether or not to receive a subsidy from the municipality.
Infectious mix
That certainty for a year now exists. As far as the council is concerned, there is even an intention for a period of five years. “We have confidence in the foundation and the young people involved with their infectious mix of individuality and commitment,” councilor Gerben van Voorden reports to the city council.
Young Hilversummers will organize an official opening in the new year. The organization will also seek connections with the neighborhood, Youssef says. “That is an important pillar,” he says.
Other future plans include offering a varied weekly program and setting up a girls’ club, where young Hilversum residents can work on resilience and resilience.