Alderman gives go-ahead for construction of 54 social homes in Thorbeckekwartier, Arnhem
News item, Inner-city projects
On Thursday afternoon, 18 June, Alderman Paul Smeulders (Housing) ceremoniously gave the go-ahead for the construction of 54 social homes in the Thorbeckekwartier project in Arnhem. Housing association Vivare will add these homes to its portfolio. The plan was developed by Thorbecke Ontwikkeling, a partnership between Reinbouw Vastgoed and VanWonen, and is being carried out by Reinbouw. Handover of the rental homes is expected by the end of 2027.
Thorbeckekwartier is being built as an extension of Boulevardkwartier, between Van Slingelandtstraat and Thorbeckestraat. The project comprises a total of 181 homes, which will be built in various phases. In addition to the 54 rental homes, there will be 15 townhouses and 112 owner-occupied apartments in different price ranges.
Alderman Paul Smeulders: “Affordable housing is fundamental to a fair city. It provides people from diverse backgrounds with a comfortable and affordable home close to work, school and family. With these 54 social homes, affordability, sustainability and quality come together in a single project. I am pleased that we will also be adding homes for sale to this neighbourhood in the fall. A much-needed step because of the housing crisis.”
Michiel Lucas, Real Estate Manager at Vivare, adds: “I’m proud that we are giving this location a new future. For many years, this was a place where children went to school and the school bell rang; now, we are building 54 affordable rental homes. Soon, the doorbell of new residents will sound here, in a lively neighbourhood where young and old can meet and live comfortably.”
Thorbeckekwartier connects two neighbourhoods
Built on the former site of the ROC Rijn IJssel school, this new project connects the Spijkerkwartier and Statenkwartier neighbourhoods. Thorbeckekwartier will feature a new green pedestrian route, which will stretch across the plan area. SACON handled the urban design and the architecture of the homes. Inspiration for the visual quality of the architecture was drawn from the surrounding buildings.
Miranda Venekamp-Brandt, Director of Marketing, Sales & Rental Operations at VanWonen: “In transforming this site from a school location into a residential area, we have kept the human dimension at the core of our design. Entrances opening onto all surrounding streets and the new green walkway will create a vibrant atmosphere, encouraging neighbours to meet and connect. The future residents will be able to enjoy a pleasant, comfortable lifestyle in a green environment, with all amenities close at hand.”
Antoinette Wilmot, Commercial Director of Reinbouw Groep, adds: “It’s great that we have now started construction on the first 54 homes in this project. The Thorbeckekwartier’s beautiful brickwork architecture stands out with its unique masonry styles and careful detailing in a diverse range of colours. Combined with the green landscaping, this is a wonderful project for our craftsmen.”
Project timeline
Handover of the social homes in Thorbeckekwartier is expected by the end of 2027. Construction of the first 82 owner-occupied homes will begin this autumn. There are still homes for sale available, ranging in size from 70 m2 to over 200 m2. For more information and to register: www.thorbeckekwartier.nl.
You can register for Vivare’s rental homes at Entree: www.entree.nu.
