46 Social rental apartments and 1050 m2 commercial space in Hart van de Waalsprong

Apartment building Grutto will be located on the south side of the lively Oranje Marieplein square. The small-scale building, designed by De Zwarte Hond, has four residential floors above the retail plinth. The completion of Grutto and the adjacent Front will mark the completion of the shopping centre in Hart van de Waalsprong.

Sustainable and affordable homes
The addition of 46 one- and two-bedroom apartments will expand the supply of affordable rental housing for young people in Hart van de Waalsprong. All apartments in Grutto will be gas-free and have underfloor heating (district heating). Attention is also being paid to a healthy and green living environment. Trees and greenery provide cooling, both in the public area and in the roof garden. And the impact of drought is mitigated by filtering and storing rainwater via bioswales. 

Marlies Krol, director of real estate at Portaal: “In Nijmegen, we have a huge shortage of affordable housing for young people, one-person households and people moving up on the housing ladder. Given the location in close proximity to amenities, we want to add apartments that are suitable for ‘ageing in place’, for both elderly people and young people on the housing market. These 46 low-energy social housing units are a great addition to our housing portfolio. Together with the rental apartments in building Bliek, Portaal now has a beautiful and diverse range of options for our residents in the popular, new city centre of Nijmegen.”

Completion of residential and shopping heart of Nijmegen
Grutto marks the completion of the new residential and shopping heart of Nijmegen-Noord. Construction of the complex has started. The expectation is that the new residential and shopping centre of the Waalsprong will be fully completed and handed over to the new residents and entrepreneurs in the spring of 2025. The 1050 m² of commercial space on the ground floor of Grutto will be purchased by Hans Geveling Vastgoed. With the opening of both a HEMA and a Kruidvat branch, the growing need for amenities in the Nijmegen-Noord district is being met. The apartments in Grutto will be available for rent through Entree about six months before their completion.

René Steman, project director of Hart van de Waalsprong: “We are happy that we are now starting the construction of the last block in the second phase of Hart van de Waalsprong. This will be a very attractive residential and shopping area for our customers. With many unique architectural details, and with a focus on a healthy living environment. We are certain that many generations will enjoy living here.”

Hart van de Waalsprong 
Hart van de Waalsprong is located in the Hof van Holland district. This new district of Nijmegen-Noord (Nijmegen North) is conveniently located between Spiegelwaal, Graaf Alardsingel, and the railway. Hart van de Waalsprong is the heart of the Waalsprong (the area in Nijmegen north of the river Waal) for living and shopping. It is easily accessible by car, bicycle and public transport (the train station of Lent is within walking distance). In addition to the shopping centre, Hart van de Waalsprong will feature 524 owner-occupied and rental homes (including 147 social housing apartments), and over 30 retail units with several inviting cafes and restaurants. The new neighbourhood has a distinctive character due to its sustainability, water and greenery, and exciting urban architecture.