On Monday, December 8, an important chapter was added to the history of Breda: POST Breda was officially opened! The former KPN building on Oude Vest, a landmark for many, has been transformed into a contemporary residential complex that combines urban dynamism with green tranquility. From social rental homes to exclusive penthouses: POST Breda offers a home for a wide audience, with views of the Grote Kerk, the Chassé Theater, and the green cityscape.
Where the area was once a closed enclave, there is now an open, lively residential area that combines urban dynamism and peace. This gives the city center a strong quality boost.
Craftsmanship and collaboration
The opening of POST Breda marks a milestone for Breda. A complex and inspiring challenge. This project is a development by SDK Vastgoed and Maas Jacobs Vastgoed, in collaboration with the Municipality of Breda and WonenBreburg. For the construction, the strength of two VolkerWessels companies was combined: Aannemingsbedrijf Van Agtmaal and Van de Ven Bouw en Ontwikkeling Tilburg. Together they have added a new part of the city – with love for Breda.
“It was a challenging puzzle,” says Niels Langenhuizen of SDK Vastgoed. “We had the opportunity to create a great inner-city living space for everyone. In difficult times, we showed courage and decisiveness, partly by beautifully combining new construction with a protected cityscape. The secret is: good cooperation with contractors, housing corporations, and the municipality. Additionally, we managed to keep an eye on the strengths of both worlds and thus found a beautiful balance between old and new.” Authentic elements have been preserved in the transformed part that emphasize the character of the location. This results in unique living spaces you won’t find anywhere else. The new construction connects here in a contemporary way – together they form a harmonious whole in the city center.
Example of urban renewal
According to the Municipality of Breda, POST Breda is a prime example of successful inner-city transformation. Alderman Eddie Förster (Urban Development): Centrum Oost shows how Breda is growing. Here we connect history with the future: from the old post office to new homes, amenities, and green squares. This is about much more than building. It’s about livability and meeting. Together with partners, we are making this city entrance a lively part of Breda. Together we are building a city ready for the future!”
POST Breda forms the prelude to further developments in this part of the city, including plans for Molsparking and the renewed Akkerstraat.
A vibrant district
The area around Kerkstraat, Oude Vest, Akkerstraat, and the renewed Houtmarkt has been transformed into an attractive district with hospitality, terraces, shops, and modern office spaces. Thanks to the redesign and greening of Kerkstraat, a pleasant, inviting place has been created where visitors like to stay. This creates a natural walking route through the city, and POST Breda and the Kerkstraat side of the Houtmarkt truly become part of the lively Breda city center,” says Kris Maas of Maas-Jacobs Vastgoed.
Green oasis of calm in the city center
A green rooftop garden forms the heart of the complex, complemented by facade greenery and a richly planted inner garden that contribute to a sustainable and pleasant living climate. The result is a surprising combination of functionality and form. A design that not only enhances living comfort but also contributes to a greener cityscape. Breda gains a piece of climate-resilient greenery in a prominent location.
A technical feat
The realization of POST Breda was a technically challenging task, where old and new had to be brought together into a coherent whole in one building. For Aannemingsbedrijf Van Agtmaal and Van de Ven Bouw en Ontwikkeling Tilburg, this meant building in a place full of history, with limited space and high technical requirements. A puzzle that required precision, craftsmanship, and creativity. With smart structural solutions, innovative construction techniques, and a tight logistical approach, a complex building was realized in which old and new reinforce each other.
Additionally, the limited construction site in the city center required meticulous logistical planning. Materials were delivered just-in-time, and the construction process was carried out in phases to minimize the impact on the surroundings. Thanks to smooth cooperation among all involved construction partners, quality, progress, and safety were continuously guaranteed.
WonenBreburg is an important partner who has greatly contributed to the success of POST Breda and shows what is possible when building an inclusive city through genuine cooperation. By adding affordable, social, and mid-range rental homes alongside owner-occupied homes in the city center, a place is created where different people can feel at home among history, liveliness, and greenery.
Caroline Timmermans (director of WonenBreburg): “We are proud that as WonenBreburg we could contribute to the transformation of the old post office into a contemporary residential building where everyone can participate and where we can offer a home to a broad target group.”
