Demolition and renovation in Kasteelbuurt
Woonpunt and the municipality of Heerlen have jointly decided to restructure the Kasteelbuurt and prepare it for the future. It must become a pleasant, safe and liveable neighbourhood 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 the Markgravenstraat will be demolished, ten of which are empty. With this message, Woonpunt employees visited the tenants of these homes. The other 68 homes in the neighbourhood will be renovated.
A Memorandum of Principles has been drawn up for the restructuring, in which three areas have been established where work will be carried out in different ways. In the 'restructuring area', the homes will be demolished because they no longer contribute to the quality of life. This will create space for new homes, which will make the neighbourhood accessible. The homes in the 'renovation area' will be improved. This will create a good living environment in this part of the neighbourhood, with residents who contribute to the sense of community. The centre of the area is the 'new construction area'. There is plenty of space for new construction there. Eventually, homes that are suitable for lifelong living and homes with a higher rent will be added.
Historical identity
Wim Hazeu, director of Woonpunt: “The Kasteelbuurt has a valuable historical identity. That entails a special responsibility. During the renovation, we take the past into account, so that the unique character of the Kasteelbuurt is preserved. With the construction of new homes, we also add a contemporary dimension.”
To collaborate
In the Kasteelbuurt, work is not only being done on the houses. A different layout of the neighbourhood and the connection with the Parkstadroute should break through the closed character. Alderman Marco Peters van Herstructuring: “We are committed to improving the social and physical quality of the residential and living environment of the Kasteelbuurt, building with respect for historical elements and creating a socio-economically mixed neighbourhood. Both organisations contribute from their own role to the improvement of the Kasteelbuurt.”