Municipality of Groningen and ABC Vastgoed sign agreement for Vief Kwartier

The municipality has signed an agreement with developer ABC Vastgoed for the planning and realization of the Vief Kwartier. Vector-i, EFFEKT and Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners are responsible for the design. The project will be realized on the site of the demolished Hunze power station, between the head office of health insurer Menzis and the Euroborg stadium.

Half of the 62,000 square meter program consists of residential construction. At least twenty percent of the homes fall under social rent, and there is also room for medium-priced rental and owner-occupied homes. The park was a major wish of the city and the residents and entrepreneurs in the area, says Groningen councilor Rik van Niejenhuis.

“The park connects existing green structures in Europapark, creating beautiful routes and places for sports and recreation,” says the councilor for Housing and Spatial Planning.

Wooden components
A major challenge was the still existing foundation of the old Hunze power station. The question was whether it can be reused. Research has shown that this is largely possible, the parties involved report. “That has everything to do with our proposed construction method,” says ABC Vastgoed director Patrick Schlick.

“By working with largely wooden components, in addition to the high durability, there is also a much lighter load on the foundation, which makes reuse possible. The terraced timber construction with green and sun roofs steps down to the park in the middle. This creates an open, pleasant and bright neighborhood in which to live, work and stay.”

Built in phases
Vief Kwartier is being built in phases. First up is the corner of Boumaboulevard – Van Elmptstraat. To add homes at this location, a change to the zoning plan is required, the municipality of Groningen has announced. To date, 1,100 homes have been built in the Europark area, as well as other functions such as a new station and municipal offices. Housing association Nijestee is currently building 108 social rental apartments.