The municipality of Hoogeveen will receive almost 1.4 million euros from the government to transform the Tamboerpassage into a residential complex. Hundreds of apartments and houses are to be built on the site of the former shopping center.
Following that plan, the public space must be adapted. That’s possible with this money. “Compare it with the situation in the southern part of Hoofdstraat,” says a municipal employee.
That part has recently been renovated and more greenery has been added. It is still too early to say what changes will occur in the area around the Tamboerpassage, the employee says.
The transformation of the Tamboerpassage is an ambitious plan and costs a lot of time and money. Christoph Poiron of the Association of Owners of the complex is therefore happy with the amount. “You also have to finalize a budget for this major project. This reduces the pressure somewhat.”
Project developer Van Wijnen has been brought in to take on the construction. “An appointment will follow next week to see whether everything is financially feasible and attractive for both parties. Then it should become clear whether we will continue together,” said Poiron.
Councilor Niek Wind (Municipal Interests) is enthusiastic about the allocation of the amount. He calls the Tamboerpassage area ‘iconic’ and hopes that the housing development plan will be successful.
The Tamboerpassage, next to the Jumbo supermarket, is currently completely empty. Entrepreneurs have moved or stopped and the building is closed to the public. Eventually it will be demolished.
There seemed to be no future for the shopping center anymore. That is why Hoogeveen wanted the shops to move to the center to prevent vacancy there. The Tamboerpassage would thus be freed up for other plans, such as housing.
There is talk of houses, residential towers, (care) apartments and lots of greenery. There must also be room for sports, relaxation and church.
Ultimately, it should become a place that is part of the city center and where visitors like to come. It is expected that traffic will also become a lot quieter once the area has been redesigned.