Peter van Dijk hope to be able to take this year with his plans for the center of Emmen. The hands of the developer itch to tackle the former V&D building in Emmen and part of the western wall of the covered shopping center De Weiert. Both locations are refreshed and a total of 70 apartments are added. According to Van Dijk, it is still waiting for the green light from the municipality.
Van Dijk gave a glimpse into the progress of his projects tonight during a meeting of Entrepreneurs Association Emmen Centrum in Hotel Fletcher Byzoo. The developer bought the former department store in 2022 to redevelop it to a furniture store complex.
On the ground floor, mostly the same stores remain there now. Enter Fashion, Paris2Day and Douglas want to continue. The Xenos returns to the basement (currently on Westerstraat). A new name is clothing store Cotton Club, which will also move into the building. The parent floor (2,000 square meters) is rented out in its entirety to a single party of whom Van Dijk cannot yet reveal the name. On top of that comes an extra layer with around 24 purchase and rental apartments.
As mentioned, the roof disappears on the butterfly passage and possibly a part of the shopping block on the Raadhuisplein side disappears. A knot has to be made about that.
Part of the western wall of De Weiert (in the possession of Van Dijk) along the Raadhuisplein is also refreshed. The idea is to break the closed character. The developer therefore also wants to trade in the entrance with revolving door towards the shopping center for a real eye -catcher: a gallery with three floors above with space for 15 to 18 apartments.
The plans must give the center a boost, Van Dijk explains his audience. “The center is struggling with vacancy and that is disastrous for the experience,” he emphasizes. Another important aspect of the plans is greening in and around De Weiert. “We not only want to add new construction, but also atmosphere and experience: green squares, better walking routes, and attractive living rooms. Everything must contribute to a lively center.”
The developer sounds enthusiastic, but sometimes becomes a bit despondent. “We have been working for years. Many people are watching and we hope to hear from the municipality before the summer.” He expects to be able to start the mega job a year later.
If everything goes according to plan, Emmen will soon get a green, lively and attractive city center in which living, shopping and hospitality come together well. “We just want to make something beautiful. For the city, for the residents. Now it is time. We now have one chance to do this well.”