Demolition and renovation in Castle neighborhood
Woonpunt and the municipality of Heerlen have jointly taken the decision to restructure the Kasteelbuurt and prepare it for the future. It should become a pleasant, safe and livable neighborhood for different generations, with lots of greenery, easily accessible and suitable for different target groups. A total of 38 homes on the north side of Markgravenstraat will be demolished, ten of which are vacant. With that message, Woonpunt employees visited the tenants of these homes. The remaining 68 homes in the neighborhood will be renovated.
A Memorandum of Principles was drawn up for the restructuring, defining three areas where work will be done in different ways. In the "restructuring area," homes will be demolished because they no longer contribute to livability. There will then be room for new homes, making the neighborhood more accessible. The homes in the 'renovation area' will be improved. This will create a good living environment in this part of the neighborhood with residents who contribute to the sense of community. The middle of the area is the "new construction area. There is plenty of room for new construction there. Eventually, homes that will be added will include life-supporting homes and homes with a higher rent.
Historical identity
Wim Hazeu, director Woonpunt: "The Castle neighborhood has a valuable historical identity. That brings with it a special responsibility. During the renovation we are taking the past into account so that the unique character of the Kasteelbuurt is preserved. With the construction of new homes, we are also adding a contemporary dimension."
Collaborate
In the Castle neighborhood, work is not only being done on the housing. A different layout of the neighborhood and the connection with the Parkstad route should break through the closed character. Alderman Marco Peters of Restructuring: "We are committed to improving the social and physical quality of the housing and living environment of the Kasteelbuurt, building with respect for historical elements and making it a socio-economically mixed neighborhood. Both organizations contribute from their own roles to the improvement of the Castle neighborhood."