On October 1, the construction of De Ooftmenger began: the first residential building in Gildenhof, with 86 social rental apartments for SWZ and Openbaar Belang. With the construction, we are taking an important step in the development of the Spoorzone.
Time Capsule as a Starting Signal
The start of construction was marked by the burying of a time capsule by alderman Gerdien Rots, director of Housing Realization Jacos van Zelst (Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning), real estate manager Egbert Haas (SWZ), director Maartje de Witte (Openbaar Belang), chairman Bart Pigge (Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo), and director of Project Development Hein Stooker (Trebbe).
In the capsule, various memories and wishes were included: letters from the involved parties with their wishes for future residents, a photo of the former Hanzebad location, an impression of De Ooftmenger, and a newspaper from October 1, 2025. Together they symbolize the transition from past to future. This moment officially marked the start of construction of the first residential building in Gildenhof.
The Gildenhof: Living in a Green, Urban Environment
The Gildenhof will be a nature-inclusive neighborhood with a total of about 280 homes. The district will have five residential buildings and several ground-bound homes, intended for social rent, purchase, and investment. The neighborhood is within walking distance of the station and city center, and close to the greenery along the IJssel.
All buildings will be named after the Zwolse guild tradition, as a tribute to the artisanal history of the city. The name Ooftmenger refers to the old crafts: the fruit seller. De Ooftmenger is a development by Trebbe – Dura Vermeer for SWZ and Openbaar Belang. The homes will later be offered through www.dewoningzoeker.nl.
Next Step in Spoorzone
With the start of construction of De Ooftmenger, we are taking the next step in the development of the Spoorzone: a future-proof urban area where living, working, meeting, and green spaces come together.
Highlighted text: “The Spoorzone is in motion. After the opening of the Passerelle, we are now starting the construction of Gildenhof with 86 social rental homes for SWZ and Openbaar Belang. The strength of the Spoorzone lies in the mix: homes, workplaces, culture, and facilities are intertwined. Thus, a lively and complete urban area for Zwolle is growing step by step. I am proud that we are celebrating this next milestone together today.” - Alderman Gerdien Rots
De Ooftmenger is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. See below the impressions of De Ooftmenger.
Impressions: OZ Architect.
