Villa Lindenhof is back in the picture for catering. The municipality of Emmen wants to look at a new interpretation next year. The municipality is also looking at the renovation of the safari restaurant in the Rensenpark (where Twessers is located). But a possible outcome could also be new construction.
Villa Lindenhof has been temporarily rented out as an artists’ quarters since 2020. But the municipality already hinted that a more concrete interpretation was being sought for the long term. At the time, the quality plan did not yet specify an exact design for the Rensenpark. This was available for the two other city villas next to De Lindenhof: the catering industry in De Drommedaar and the regional broadcaster ZO!34 were allowed to use the Hospershuis as a new home.
The Lindenhof is still awaiting renovation, says program leader Ingrid van der Woude of the municipality of Emmen (the municipality owns the park and rents various buildings to entrepreneurs). It is not yet known what exactly will happen.
Van der Woude: “A team is currently preparing the renovation. More information will be provided at a later date.” The provisional plan is to start implementation in 2024.
The idea for catering in the Lindenhof is not new. In 2018, the municipality already had discussions with an Emmer entrepreneur. But this ultimately fell through. The municipality continues to see opportunities, according to Van der Woude. “The villa is now a bit hidden.”
But soon there will be an extra entrance to the Rensenpark next to the building. That path runs towards the elephant island where there are plans for a climbing park. This will bring plenty of vibrancy back to this area, according to Van der Woude.
With this in mind, the municipality is also examining the former safari restaurant. Twessers currently lives in the building. This teahouse offers young people an opportunity to gain experience in the catering industry in a sheltered working environment, so that they have a better chance on the labor market. The building may be made more sustainable. “But research may show that it is better to opt for new construction.”
From next year, entrepreneurs will be actively sought for the third catering point at the park, De Drommedaar. Until this spring there was a restaurant in it, but it had to close its doors. Before a new batch comes in, the extension at the rear is first demolished.
According to Van der Woude, this will happen in the short term. A new part will then be added at the rear in the style of the current characteristic building.