Woonstart will be the only housing company in the Tielt region

‘Woonstart’ resulted from the amalgamation of the Social Rental Office Regio Tielt, part of IZI Wonen and the Tieltse Bouwmaatschappij. On June 9, 2023, the name was officially announced and it was not chosen by chance. With the collaboration, the five municipalities (Tielt, Ruiselede, Wingene, Pittem and Meulebeke) want to take new steps in providing services to customers. A housing company tailored to the region corresponds well with the most important assets: local contact possibilities, proximity and accessibility. “We want to keep the customers central” says Luc Vannieuwenhuyze. “Sufficient provision of high-quality, sustainable and, above all, affordable homes is essential. For our target group, a social home is a very important step towards a warm home and a new start. We will continue on the path of hiring, renovation and new construction via infill projects”.

At the start, Woonstart managed 960 homes, 220 of which were hired by the SVK. After the planned takeover of the homes in Meulebeke (De Mandel), Pittem (Helpt Elkander), Ruiselede en Wingene (Vivendo) and Tielt, Woonstart will manage more than 1,500 homes by 2028.

Restructuring of employees

From July 1, 2023, Woonstart can count on a team of 18 passionate employees led by Managing Director Kris Verwaeren, current director of the Tieltse Bouwmaatschappij, for day-to-day operations. Operational Director and Patrimonial Cluster Manager will be Peter De Clerck, currently General Manager of IZI Wonen. Client manager will be Renaat Coudenys, current coordinator of the Regio Social Rental Office.