Kampen secures second chance for €2.4 million boost to revitalize city centre entrance
Residents and businesses in Kampen could soon see a greener, more vibrant entrance to Oudestraat, thanks to a potential €2.4 million national subsidy. The funds aim to tackle vacancy issues, add housing, and create a more attractive public space, pending Senate approval.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Subsidy Amount | €2.4 million |
| Scheme | Impulsaanpak transformatie winkelgebieden (Impulse Approach for Transforming Shopping Areas) |
| Location | Southern entrance to Oudestraat, Kampen (between Bovenkerk and Geerstraat, Koornmarktspoort and Muntplein) |
| Project Components | - More greenery and redesigned public space around Bovenkerk and Oudestraat |
- Housing in former Theological University library
- Supervised bicycle parking in former C&A building
- Cultural space in Bovenkerk | | Stakeholders | Municipality of Kampen, local entrepreneurs, property owners, residents | | Next Steps | Further plan development pending Senate approval | | Current Status | House of Representatives approved budget increase; Senate decision pending |
The municipality of Kampen is responsible for urban development and revitalization projects within its jurisdiction. This includes applying for national subsidies to support local initiatives that improve public spaces, address vacancy issues, and promote sustainable urban growth. The national government, through schemes like the Impulsaanpak transformatie winkelgebieden, provides financial support to municipalities collaborating with private parties to transform shopping areas.
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Kampen still has a chance at national subsidy for improving the southern entrance to Oudestraat
The municipality of Kampen now has a chance to receive a national contribution of €2.4 million for improving the southern entrance to Oudestraat and the surrounding part of the city centre. This subsidy is part of the nationwide scheme Impulsaanpak transformatie winkelgebieden (Impulse Approach for Transforming Shopping Areas). The municipality submitted the application twice and received a positive assessment both times, but there was insufficient budget. The House of Representatives has now adopted an amendment to increase the budget. If the Senate also approves, Kampen can still receive the €2.4 million subsidy.
Boost for the entrance to Oudestraat
With the subsidy, the municipality can further develop plans for the area between Bovenkerk and Oudestraat (up to Geerstraat) and between Koornmarktspoort and Muntplein. This part of the city centre faces vacancy issues, and the public space is paved and not future-proof. The plans focus on creating an attractive, green entrance to Oudestraat, with more space for leisure, new housing, and a better mix of functions.
Components of the project include:
- more greenery and a new design for the public space around Bovenkerk and Oudestraat,
- adding housing in the former library of the Theological University,
- a supervised bicycle parking facility in the former C&A building,
- making Bovenkerk future-proof with space for cultural activities.
Councillor Bas Wonink is pleased with the potential allocation: “It is a great recognition of the strength of our plan. We want to turn this part of the city centre into an attractive, lively, and green entrance. Addressing vacancy, adding housing, and strengthening culture come together beautifully here. The fact that the national government may now still approve our application gives us the push we need to make this area future-proof. We are grateful to the members of the House of Representatives who voted for the budget increase.”
Collaboration with local partners
The area development has been achieved in collaboration with local entrepreneurs, property owners, and residents. The national subsidy is intended for municipalities that invest in the future of their shopping areas together with at least two private parties. Thanks to the subsidy, Kampen can realise its ambitions without compromising on design, experience, or future value.
Next steps
If the subsidy is granted, the municipality will further develop the plans in consultation with stakeholders and local residents. This includes the design of the public space and the redevelopment of the former C&A building into a bicycle parking facility.
About the Impulsaanpak Winkelgebieden scheme
This nationwide scheme aims to encourage municipalities to address shopping areas in collaboration with private parties. Renewing and transforming shopping areas is costly and complex. The subsidy helps reduce the so-called ‘unprofitable top’, ensuring that plans do not come at the expense of quality and future value.