There will definitely be three large round residential towers on the banks of the IJzeren Vrouw in Den Bosch. This is stated in the zoning plan that the municipal executive presented on Friday. Despite the fact that more than two thousand local residents are against construction in the park. “We must build here to help all home seekers find a new home,” says councilor Pieter Paul Slikker.
The three residential towers of 60, 54 and 48 meters high have room for a maximum of 195 homes. Construction will take years to complete, but almost 3,000 interested buyers and tenants have already registered with the project developer. “And there are not even any for sale or for rent signs. It not only shows how great the interest is in living in such a place, but also how great the housing shortage is,” says Pieter Paul Slikker, housing councilor.
That is why B&W is sticking to the plans despite the objections of two thousand local residents. “I really understand that the people who use the park and live nearby want to keep a green environment. But we have to build everywhere where we can,” says Slikker.
“We are losing a large part of our park.”
With 123 submissions, the objectors hoped that the municipality would adjust the plan. Except for a few minor technical adjustments, that didn’t happen. “The group that uses the park every day is larger than the group that will ultimately live there. So I don’t understand why the municipality has done nothing with our preservation,” says Paul Minderhoud of the Iron Woman Foundation.
It is certain that the Iron Woman will be built. In fact, there used to be buildings in the park, namely a sports hall and swimming pool. After its demolition, the municipal council adopted a zoning plan in 2010 for the construction of 120 apartments on the edge of the park. But that was postponed due to a financial crisis.
“If they had built those apartments then, nothing would have happened. Because we had no objection to that plan,” says Paul from the foundation that is trying to prevent construction.
“There’s no way I’m going to sit next to those monstrous towers in the sun.”
Because it is mainly the height and the location close to the bank of the Iron Woman that local residents do not agree with. “Because the towers will be located right next to the lake, we will lose a very large part of our park. And I’m definitely not going to sit near those huge monstrous towers to have a barbecue or enjoy the sun.”
But according to the municipality, more account is now being taken of the park and its users than in the 2010 plan. For example, the towers take up less space, there is a better view of the park and the water and there will be additional walking routes. “We have found a good balance between the high demand for housing and keeping the Prins Hendrik Park green,” says Alderman Slikker.
The municipal council will make a final decision on the zoning plan on March 5.
YOU MAY ALSO FIND THIS INTERESTING:
Local residents show the impact of high residential towers near the IJzeren Vrouw
