Redevelopment of Schaersvoorde, Dinxperlo

What exactly is the intended program?

Approximately 950 m² of the building, namely the former auditorium, gym, and part of the entrance area, will be redesigned for social functions. These include housing the Dinxperlo technical classroom. The remaining space (former classrooms) will be converted into approximately 17 studios/small affordable homes, ranging from approximately 40 m² to 72 m².  

What scenarios have been considered for the redevelopment of the property?

Various scenarios were considered, ranging from complete preservation to complete demolition, with and without social functions. It was decided to further develop model A, as this meets the wishes of the current users to take over part of the building. Reuse of the remaining part appears to be the most financially attractive option.

Why were the other models eliminated?

The model involving complete demolition was rejected because there would be no room for social organizations and due to financial considerations.
The model involving partial demolition, which was preferred from a participation perspective, was rejected due to financial considerations and because reuse of existing buildings is more in line with the municipality's sustainability objectives.

What kind of homes will be built and for whom?

Based on current information, we believe there is room for approximately 17 affordable small homes. At this point, we do not yet know whether these will be rental or owner-occupied properties. We will investigate this further in the coming months. The municipality prefers to make the homes available in a similar way to the Uuthuuskes, which means affordable rent for the local target group. This still needs to be investigated further from a financial and legal perspective. If this is not possible, the homes will probably be sold.

Which social organizations will be located in the building?

The starting point is that, in any case, the current users of the auditorium, gym, and technology room will continue to use the building. These users are Psalm150, the Fanfare Talents Foundation, the Free Baptist Church of Dinxperlo, and the KBTO (Kontact Bedrijfsleven Techniek Onderwijs Dinxperlo).

Who will become the owner of the building and thus responsible for its management and maintenance?

The municipality and a foundation in formation representing the above parties have signed a draft letter of intent. This agreement stipulates that the foundation in formation will become the owner of the social section of the building and will therefore also be responsible for its management and maintenance.

Why is this agreement not yet final?

The Didam ruling requires government bodies to observe the general principles of good governance in real estate transactions, including the principle of equality. This means that a publication period of 20 days must be observed, during which other parties are given the opportunity to Requirements take over the building under Requirements same Requirements . The intention to conclude a letter of intent will be published on February 25 and will run until March 18.

What planning procedures still need to be completed?

The building has been designated as "Social" in the applicable environmental plan (zoning plan).  The social functions fit within this zoning, but the planned housing does not. For this reason, an environmental permit must be applied for in order to deviate from the environmental plan and allow housing. Various environmental studies still need to be carried out for this, including ecological and acoustic studies. This will take several months, after which the application can be submitted. The environmental permit is usually extended within 8 weeks. After that, there is the possibility to lodge an objection and appeal.

What are the possible consequences of the results of the studies that are still being conducted?

We have already conducted preliminary research for most of the studies. For example, we know that we need to conduct research on bats. This research will run from mid-May to mid-October. If bats are found, this means that the plan may have to be postponed for a year because an alternative breeding site for the animals will have to be facilitated. As far as noise is concerned, we expect this to have a structural impact at most.

What is the impact of the redevelopment/transformation on the surrounding neighborhood?

The departure of the school has already had an impact on the surrounding area. Traffic flows have changed as a result of the closure, as there are no longer any students going to school. The classrooms are now also being occupied on the basis of vacancy management. The impact is expected to be similar to the current situation, as future use will hardly differ from current use.

What are the long-term effects for the neighborhood?

No major long-term effects are expected.

What are the next steps and schedule for this project?

• February 25–March 18: publication of intention to conclude letter of intent
• March/April: developing/optimizing financial proposal
• May/June: decision-making by the college and council
• Second half of 2025: elaboration of plans and start of environmental permit procedure
• Mid-2026: start of construction/renovation

How is communication about this project organized?

An article was published on the municipal page and the plans are available on the municipal website. The council was informed of the progress by means of a council announcement.

I disagree with the plan, what can I do?

At this point, we would like to hear from you why you disagree. Depending on the nature of your concerns, these may still be taken into account in the final draft. However, there is currently no decision that you can object to; this option will only become available once a decision on the environmental permit has been made.

How long can the building still be used under the current conditions?

The property is currently managed by AdHoc. It has been agreed with them that the current users will be able to continue using the building under the same conditions throughout 2025.

When and how can we register for the homes?

At this point, we do not yet know whether it will be rental or purchase, or how the homes will be made available. We will be investigating this further in the coming months.