The vacant supermarket at the Market Square in Geitenkamp is getting a new, temporary purpose. It will become a market hall: a place where local entrepreneurs offer their products and services and where neighbors can meet. Meanwhile, the municipality continues discussions with entrepreneurs to establish a new supermarket at the Market Square.
Breaking the Negative Spiral
‘With this step, we break the negative spiral of closing stores and entrepreneurs leaving Geitenkamp,’ said Alderman of Economy Nermina Kundić. ‘Soon, the residents of Geitenkamp will be able to do their daily shopping and have a chat in their own neighborhood again. They will also be able to pick up food or meals. At the same time, we continue to work towards getting a permanent supermarket in Geitenkamp.’
Shopping and Meeting
The temporary market hall is an initiative of the National Program Arnhem-Oost. It is the result of discussions with residents, entrepreneurs, and professionals about what is needed in the neighborhood and what is possible in the short term. Kundić: ‘For all Geitenkamp residents, young and old, the market hall offers a valuable combination of daily shopping and social contacts.’ The Neighborhood Employment Agency Geitenkamp – consisting of active residents and entrepreneurs from the neighborhood – will work on the implementation. The property owner is also willing to cooperate. The aim is for the first entrepreneurs to start in the market hall within a few weeks. The offerings will then be gradually expanded.
Part of a Broader Approach
Geitenkamp is a neighborhood with character, pride, and strong bonds. At the same time, there are concerns: many people have a low income, young people do not always get the same opportunities, and there is a high dependency on assistance and care. A lot is already happening in the neighborhood, but residents notice that initiatives often stand alone and do not collaborate enough. Therefore, the National Program Arnhem-Oost is working on a joint action agenda. This brings together the efforts of residents, entrepreneurs, and organizations in one direction. The temporary market hall is a first step in restoring the dynamics and liveliness of the Market Square. It shows how we are building together a neighborhood where people feel at home, meet each other, and see new opportunities.
