The municipality of Meppel has started major maintenance in the Meppel city center. As a result, the Prinsengracht will be closed to traffic for three months, which means that the center temporarily misses an important arterial road and nearby companies are less easily accessible. Nevertheless, the entrepreneurs involved are positive about the ups and downs surrounding the approach, especially thanks to good communication from the municipality.
This involves major maintenance: both the trees and paving along and on the canal are replaced. The current trees on Prinsengracht mainly cause nuisance with roots that affect the road surface. That is why a felling permit has been issued for all trees. The construction of new trees requires a significant intervention, because the right place to grow has to be created. After that, the sidewalk and road surface will also be paved again. There will also be a clear bicycle parking space at the Prinsengracht, on the edge of the center.
‘Also say something when things go well’
“Sometimes there are complaints about the municipality, but if something goes very well, you have to say it,” says Mustapha el Barbari. He has a gym on the Prinsengracht and is impressed by the way things are going. Both the communication before and during the project is very good. “We were informed in time,” said El Barbari. “We received a clear map with all the activities and the data on which work is being done. I printed it out enlarged and placed it here on the bar, so that all customers can read it. That’s great!”
As the first act of the approach, the trees were felled today. That also happened in a communicative manner, says the gym owner. “There was always someone present who checked the entire environment and gave passers-by instructions where they could and could not walk. That gives me a peace of mind as an entrepreneur. When you see people approaching with chainsaws and other equipment, you keep an eye on it. the tarpaulin, but that was actually not necessary now. It was done in a very controlled manner and because of that the person who sawed could also do his work faster. That has a safe feeling and the municipality can be proud of that.”
firewood
They are also happy at the Petersen flower shop on the Prinsengracht. “The municipality and the boys who are now working here keep in touch with us,” says a store employee. For example, it has been agreed with the municipality that the store may use one of the municipal parking spaces at the rear of the building to display goods if customers are no longer able to access the store. “This way we can make it clear that we are open as usual,” laughs the florist, who looked at the felled trees for a while, but saw no potential flower arrangements in them. “That’s more for the fireplace.”
The work has one drawback: things are a lot less visible. “The billboards that are outside still prove to be good for attracting new customers,” says El Barbari. “Normally a lot of traffic comes by here. If they don’t know you yet, it’s because of the outdoor advertising. That will be less now, but you won’t hear me moan about that. I prefer to look ahead for the customers, we also have a back door It is a sacrifice we are happy to make if the street looks a lot nicer in three months,” he concludes.
The Grachtenfestival returns to Meppel on 10, 11 and 12 June. According to the municipality, the work must be completed for this.