Agreements signed for 350 homes in Zwolle’s Noorderkwartier
News item, Inner-city projects
Yesterday, KondorWessels Projecten and VanWonen signed agreements with the municipality of Zwolle for the development of the Noordereiland and the former GAK building on Drijbersingel. This marks the start of preparations for approximately 350 new homes, combined with hospitality venues, workspaces and community amenities, as part of the Noorderkwartier area development.
Bulk of homes to be built on Noordereiland
The bulk of these homes, roughly 280, will be constructed on Noordereiland. Around 67 of these are designated as social housing, situated in the apartment building on the corner of Dijkstraat and Assiesstraat. Another 70 homes will be built on the side of the Dieze, next to the main building of the former GAK offices on Drijbersingel.
Parallel planning
The development of the Noordereiland still requires multiple approvals, such as a decision (‘onttrekkingsbesluit’) to remove the public status from the parking garage, the all-in-one building permit, and a tree-removal permit. To ensure a swift start of construction once all decisions and procedures are finalized, the building plans have been developed in close cooperation with all stakeholders over the past few years. These plans are now being formalized through partnership agreements. As soon as the design begins to take shape, the developers will engage with the local community.
A place that truly adds something to Zwolle
Anja Roelfs, alderperson of Stadshart: ‘With this partnership, we are taking a concrete step toward building 350 homes, both owner-occupied, mid-priced rental and social housing, in Zwols Noorderkwartier. We are expanding the city centre and adding new homes. In this new part of the city, living, working, and socialising will come together. We are adding plenty of greenery and quality to the public space, with a focus on sustainability and heritage conservation. The area will develop its own character, with space for culture and strong links to the city centre and Dieze. This will create a place that truly adds something to Zwolle.’
The main building of the former GAK office will be retained
The striking main building of the 1968 GAK complex will be part of the new development. This building, a fine example of modern post-war architecture, will be repurposed to accommodate restaurants and workspaces. Directly adjacent to it, 71 owner-occupied homes will be built. This will create a distinctive hub in the Noorderkwartier where living, working and socialising come together.
Annemiek Houtkamp, Development Manager at VanWonen: ‘The joint urban planning vision for Noorderkwartier has laid the foundation for developing a beautifully green and attractive residential and commercial area around the Achtergracht. On Noordereiland, the quality of housing and the overall atmosphere will perfectly complement the neighbouring Kraanbolwerk.’
Sustainable, green and future-proof
In addition to the construction of housing, sustainability is a key focus throughout the entire Noorderkwartier. Timber construction is being used to reduce CO₂ emissions, and a collective seasonal thermal energy storage system (STES) will be installed. Public spaces will feature plenty of green areas. A new walking route will connect the Thorbeckegracht to the Noordereiland and the Singelpark. People will be able to stroll through an area where water, green spaces, restaurants and housing intertwine.
Martijn Luchjenbroers, Director of KondorWessels Projecten: ‘With the signing of this partnership agreement, we reaffirm our positive and constructive partnership with the municipality of Zwolle. In our dual role as the commissioning party for the neighbourhood hub and the developer of the homes above it, we are working jointly to deliver an efficient, future-proof parking solution with high-quality homes on top of it. We also embrace the municipality’s initiative to supply these homes with sustainable energy from an STES system via the local district heating company. Together, we are building a smart and sustainable Noorderkwartier where people will enjoy living.’
About Noorderkwartier
Zwolle is set to expand with a dynamic new urban district: Zwols Noorderkwartier. A location where history and the future intersect, with 750 homes – from studios and apartments to penthouses – plus space for start-ups, creative workshops, and small enterprises. Historic buildings are being repurposed, and the area will feature a new bridge, a canal park, green squares and waterfront walking paths. The district will evolve alongside the city, and makes the city centre both larger and more diverse.
