Sufficient housing and attractive amenities in a renovated centre
Tegelen is undergoing a major upgrade. Both the renovation of the centre and the creation of several new residential areas are part of a large-scale plan to make this part of town more attractive to live, work and stay in.
Centre manager Werner Schins and Roel Versleijen, managing director of Antares housing association, are closely involved in the realisation. She give their views and explain why an attractive residential climate in Tegelen is important for entrepreneurs and employees in the business parks.
'We are using a form of storytelling how the ceramic industry flourished here in the past'
First plans
At present, it involves the realisation of 81 flats in the centre, but a total of 220 new homes are to be realised in the coming years. Also a more attractive infill of commercial spaces is on the agenda. Centre manager Schins looks proudly at the progress in the centre. "Entrepreneurs and residents had wishes about a better infill of the public space, fighting vacancy and a good infill for the location where Martinushof used to be located. Some points required time and patience, but after some time sufficient funds were available from the province and the municipality. Also, Alderman Erwin Boom's commitment proved decisive in getting the plans moving."
Boschkamp
Roel Versleijen joined Antares a year and a half ago as the new director/manager and quickly immersed himself in the matter. "In that first phase, I got to know Tegelen well. The is a very special district with a history all its own." Antares' focus is on the centre plan involving shops and flats, the Boschkamp project area plus the demolition and new construction of 't Peske. Versleijen begins by explaining the Boskamp plan. "The realisation of 103 houses in various segments will take place on the former site of iron foundry Hekkens, near the city centre. At all parts of the centre plan, the history of the ceramic industry will be visible. Retrieved from Boschkamp project area, this is done, among other things, by linking the future street names to Hekkens' past."
Versleijen is enthusiastic about the development plans for this area, where the first foundation has now been laid. "I belief in the success of that neighbourhood. Partly because of the diversity of housing we will build there. There is plenty of space and sufficient attention to greenery and sustainability. As I had to choose a property in Tegelen, I would want to live in that area."
New building 't Peske
The demolition and new construction of 't Peske initially caused controversy in Tegelen. At Antares was of the opinion, following various studies, that the building (the former hospital) was severely outdated. "After this decision was communicated, I had half Tegelen breathing down my neck," Versleijen now looks back with a smile. "We decided to explain that in the current state of the building, renovation was not an option. The our goal is to return this historic building from 1927 to its old style. And then I dare say now: maybe it will be even more beautiful. Several special elements from the past return in the new building. Think of the stylish canopy, the raised entrance, the distinctive chimney plus the balustrades. The will be a gem for Tegelen."
Enjoy
Work on the realisation of the new homes is therefore in full swing. More concretely visible is already the renovation of the Tegel shopping centre. According to Werner Schins, this is not a place for fun shopping. "People come here to do shopping plus buy some other directly related products. This does include quality catering. In my opinion, there is still too little of that. Especially in the evenings." Versleijen nods in agreement. "Personally, I think the filling of Wilhelminaplein could be much better. That should come alive with catering and terraces. All the ingredients for this are there. People do not want to eat outside at the edge of a car park. Your must dare to make choices and as far as I am concerned, the current situation is an uncomfortable choice."
Ceramic history
Anyone visiting Church Street and adjoining streets will also see that the rich history of the Tiles ceramic past has been incorporated in various ways. Schins: "It is form of storytelling how the ceramic industry flourished here in the past. That story runs from Wilhelminaplein to the former town hall." According to Versleijen, more functions will also be added in the near future. "Think about establishing the library, the new supermarkets plus a number of other facilities."
'It is essential to deploy high quality in the various city districts so that new employees and entrepreneurs find an attractive working and living environment here'
Facilities that are essential for residents, Schins said. "It is essential to achieve high quality in the various districts of the city, so that new employees and entrepreneurs find an attractive working and living environment here where they would like to live for years to come. That applies to Tegelen, but also to Blerick. Not everyone wants to live in the city centre. Some people opt for something more peaceful, but with attractive facilities. Because where there are enough new homes, entrepreneurs want to establish themselves. And if there are enough attractive businesses, workers will look for housing. Everyone has their role in this, both the entrepreneurs and also Antares with their plans for new construction."
Photo: Centre manager Werner Schins and Roel Versleijen, director-director of housing corporation Antares
nu.venlo.nl/centrumtegelen - www.winkelcentrum-tegelen.nl
Text: Rob Buchholz - Photography: Bram Becks
