Community Center De Overkant is an important place for the residents of Presikhaaf to meet each other. Children and youth come here to learn and play sports together. To ensure that De Overkant remains the vibrant heart of the neighborhood, a completely new building will be constructed and the surrounding area will be extensively renovated. The National Program Arnhem-East and the Municipality of Arnhem are jointly investing €6.6 million in this.
Alderman of the National Program Arnhem-East Cathelijne Bouwkamp: “With the construction of a completely new community center, we are investing not in a building, but in the future of Presikhaaf and its residents. A neighborhood needs a place where residents can come together. Where young people can work on their development. And where social organizations can do their important work. For this, a building is needed that supports all these important functions in the neighborhood. Thanks to the National Program Arnhem-East, De Overkant remains this place for Presikhaaf.”
Sustainable and vibrant community center
With an investment from the National Program Arnhem-East and the municipality, the polluted soil around the community center can be cleaned. In addition, the outdoor area will be redesigned. There will be space for sports, play, learning, and meeting. The new building also ensures that the community center better connects with other buildings in the area and that the entrance becomes more attractive. This way, De Overkant will remain a sustainable and vibrant community center for the residents of Presikhaaf in the future, making the place healthier and more beautiful.
At home in Presikhaaf
Various activities are organized in De Overkant for both young people and adults from Presikhaaf. It is also a home for many social initiatives and organizations in the neighborhood. Due to intensive use, the building is now outdated and can no longer be made sustainable. Additionally, it was built on polluted soil from the old Presikhaaf landfill.
An architect is now being selected to start designing the new community center. The goal is to open the community center by mid-2028. During demolition and new construction, residents and initiatives can continue to use the existing building. Cathelijne Bouwkamp: “Thanks to the new building and renovated outdoor area, De Overkant can continue for many years and remains a home for neighborhood residents in their Presikhaaf.”
National Program Arnhem-East
The renewal of De Overkant is not an isolated case. Within the National Program Arnhem-East, a coherent approach is being worked on in five Arnhem neighborhoods in the areas of education, work, health, housing, and safety. The program is committed long-term to offering current and new generations fair choices and equal opportunities to develop their talents.