Gouda transforms vacant school into 83 new homes amid housing crisis
Gouda takes a major step to tackle its housing shortage by demolishing a long-vacant school to make way for 83 new apartments. The project, De Zaayer, offers homes for all budgets and ages, easing pressure on the local housing market.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sportlaan, Gouda |
| Demolition start date | April 1, 2026 |
| Expected completion | Before summer 2026 |
| New complex name | De Zaayer |
| Number of apartments | 83 |
| Housing range | Affordable studios to 4-bedroom units |
| Target groups | Seniors, young adults, all budgets |
| Sales start | Spring 2026 |
| Developer | Vastbouw |
| Alderman present | Jan Kees Oppelaar |
The municipality of Gouda is responsible for urban development and housing policy within its jurisdiction. This includes repurposing vacant buildings to address housing shortages and improve neighborhood livability.
Read the full translated article below
Demolition of old school on Sportlaan begins
The demolition of the former horticulture and agricultural school on Sportlaan began in the morning of April 1. Alderman Jan Kees Oppelaar was present to symbolically perform the first demolition work. “This building has been vacant for years, and we obviously don’t want that during a housing crisis. That’s why I’m very pleased that Vastbouw can now create something beautiful on this site.”
The demolition is the first concrete step toward the construction of De Zaayer, a complex with 83 apartments offering a diverse range: from affordable studios to spacious four-bedroom units.
“That’s obviously very good news for the many prospective tenants in Gouda,” says Oppelaar. “It will be an apartment complex with a varied housing offer for every budget and every age. By building for our seniors and young adults, we contribute to improving the flow in Gouda’s housing market. Additionally, it’s great news for the neighborhood, as this location has unfortunately been deteriorating for several years.” The demolition work is expected to be completed before summer. The sale of the homes is expected to begin later in the spring.
Stay informed via the De Zaayer website.