“It would be an enrichment for our village,” says Ko Scheele of the Future-proof Nijeveen Foundation. The municipality of Meppel, together with residents and educational organizations, has started a feasibility study into a new multifunctional center (MFC) in Nijeveen.
The municipal council has made 75,000 euros available for this.
The village has been working on realizing such a multifunctional center for about two years. In that center, primary schools, childcare, the village hall and a sports hall could be brought together under one roof.
The first step is a study into the future of primary schools in Nijeveen. This research should clarify whether renovation, new construction or new construction is necessary. According to councilor Klaas de Vries, education is an important pillar of the plan. “The MFC can only be achieved if we find a future-proof solution together with the schools.”
Scheele thinks that a new multifunctional center is a good step for the municipality. “All the buildings of the schools, the village hall and the sports hall are fifty years old or older. They all need renovation. If all the buildings are combined, there will be room for new houses.”
If Scheele has his way, that revamp will come in the form of the new MFC. “It may seem more expensive to invest in new construction, but that is not the case. For example, the new school buildings must meet sustainability requirements. It is better to do it right the first time, otherwise it will be your turn again in ten years.”
The intention is for the municipal council to make a decision about the realization of the MFC Nijeveen at the end of next year. “You are crazy if you are going to renovate these old buildings. There is a lot of support for this initiative from the residents, schools and the village hall, so I have every confidence that the MFC will come about,” says Scheele.