The Groningen residential and water area Meerstad is advancing to the east. This is done with 48 plots on islands in the Harksteder Broeklanden where buyers can set up their self-designed villas.
According to the municipality of Groningen, the interest in luxurious ‘self-build plots’ is so great that new places to live must be offered. ,,That is why it is the turn of the Harksteder Broeklanden. It is a nature reserve where we also want to make housing possible,” says alderman Rik van Niejenhuis (PvdA, Housing).
If it is up to the municipality, the plots on the islands will be available in the course of 2025. The amount of the lot prices is not yet known, says Van Niejenhuis. The Harksteder Broeklanden residential area is located to the east of the De Zeilen district in Meerstad, to the south of the Slochterdiep and to the west of the forest area. The south side of the area is bordered by the Woldmeer.
Stiff against neighbour
With this expansion of Meerstad, just like houses located further south in the district, more houses will soon lie tightly against the municipality of Central Groningen. Van Niejenhuis thinks that the city should contribute something to the facilities for the new residents in the neighboring municipality.
Some time ago, the Harksteders indicated that they would like to see their village center expanded with a water connection and a marina. Administrators of both municipalities stated that they can exchange views on this.
Also collective housing
When filling in the Harksteder Broeklanden, the municipality of Groningen also wants to see a collective form of housing in the forest. The alderman does not know exactly what it looks like. He does state that there is no room for social housing on the islands. The area is accessed via the Vossenburglaan. This runs from the Hoofdweg–Vossenburglaan roundabout through the Groenewei, Tersluis and De Zeilen districts and ends in Harksteder Broeklanden. Here will also be the final stop of public transport and a kiosk for the distribution of drinks and snacks
Lots more trees
The municipality is responsible for the design of this green environment. This is done by planting hedges on some of the private plots. They must offer plenty of space for insects, birds and (small) mammals. The intention is to drain as much water as possible via bottom passages (wadis) to open water (Woldmeer and Kleisloot). The planting of trees adds much more greenery to the area.
From 14 June, the Municipal Executive will make the Harksteder Broeklanden elaboration plan available for inspection for four weeks. The plans will be made more concrete around the summer