New senior-friendly housing project approved in Twistvlied neighborhood
A new housing concept for seniors, Knarrenhof, will be developed in Almelo’s Twistvlied neighborhood, offering 24 barrier-free homes. Residents can live independently while enjoying community support, addressing growing demand for senior-friendly living options.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Former De Trekvogel school, Twistvlied neighborhood, Almelo |
| Total Homes | 24 (8 social rental, 8 affordable purchase, 8 free sector) |
| Housing Type | Barrier-free, care-ready, U-shaped design with shared courtyard |
| Target Group | Seniors seeking independent living with community support |
| Project Partners | Municipality of Almelo, Cazas Wonen (housing corporation) |
| Planned Start Date | Construction in 2027, first residents expected in 2028 |
| Unique Feature | Voluntary community engagement, no obligations |
The municipality of Almelo is responsible for spatial planning and housing development within its jurisdiction. This project aligns with its goal to create inclusive, age-friendly living environments that cater to the needs of an aging population while fostering community bonds.
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Read the full translated article below
Plans for Knarrenhof at location De Trekvogel to be continued
The plans for a Knarrenhof at the location of the former school De Trekvogel in the Twistvlied neighborhood will take further shape in the coming period. Last Thursday, the municipal council established the spatial framework. With this, the next phase of the project can begin: further developing the plans and finding a party to realize the housing concept.
The location of De Trekvogel has space for a Knarrenhof with a total of 24 homes. It consists of a mix of 8 social rental homes, 8 affordable purchase homes, and 8 homes in the free sector. The building consists of a ground floor and 2 floors. All homes will be barrier-free and care-ready, so that residents can continue to live comfortably even at a later age.
“There is a lot of interest in this type of housing and we hear from many residents that they would like to live in this way,” says alderman Cees van Uden (Spatial Projects). “With a Knarrenhof at this location, we are responding to that wish. It offers seniors the opportunity to continue living independently, but in an environment where meeting and looking out for each other is a matter of course.”
Voluntary meeting and helping
A Knarrenhof is a housing form for seniors who want to live independently but also enjoy being part of a community. Residents have their own home and privacy, but can meet and help each other voluntarily where it suits them. It is explicitly not a residential group with obligations, but a neighborhood where residents can benefit from each other's company, knowledge, and experience.
Enclosed courtyards of the past
The building will be realized in a U-shape, creating a shared inner courtyard. In and around the building, space will be created for meeting and joint activities. The concept thus combines the enclosed courtyards of the past with the comfort of modern homes.
The location of the former school De Trekvogel is a green spot by a pond. In recent years, the building has been temporarily used by, among others, the Food Bank and Timpaan. In the new situation, in addition to the homes, the necessary parking spaces will also be located on the site. In the coming period, the plans will be further developed. To this end, the municipality, together with housing corporation Cazas Wonen, is looking for a party to realize and manage the Knarrenhof. According to the current planning, construction can start in 2027. The first residents could then move in during the course of 2028.