New homes in historic Schiedam district welcome first families as housing crisis persists
The first 27 families have moved into the newly completed Dirkzwager development in Schiedam, marking a milestone in the city’s efforts to tackle the housing shortage. With 6,000 more homes planned by 2030, this project blends modern living with historic charm, offering hope for buyers struggling to find affordable housing.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Former Dirkzwager site, historic city centre of Schiedam, Zuid-Holland |
| Phase 2a Completion | 27 single-family homes (terraced and courtyard designs) |
| Housing Types | Named after local gin history: Maarten, Bobbie, Jules, Dirk |
| First Residents | Davy Verhoeckx and Maud Van der Vaart (Rotterdam), with 1-year-old son |
| Phase 3 Launch | 38 new homes (waterfront, terraced, city apartments) |
| Municipal Housing Target | 6,000 new homes in Schiedam by 2030 |
| Developer | Van Wijnen Project Development |
| Alderman | Youri Volkman (Municipality of Schiedam) |
The Municipality of Schiedam plays a central role in addressing the national housing shortage by facilitating new developments like Dirkzwager. It oversees zoning, permits, and partnerships with developers to ensure a mix of affordable and diverse housing options for residents. The municipality also preserves historical sites while balancing modern urban needs.
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First residents receive keys for new phase of Dirkzwager development
In the historic city centre, on the former Dirkzwager site, a new and vibrant neighbourhood is taking shape. This distinctive district, with its rich gin history and iconic monuments, will soon accommodate around 150 homes. Construction is taking place in several phases, and as of today, phase 2a—27 single-family homes—has been completed. The first residents received their keys from Alderman Youri Volkman.
Alderman Youri Volkman: "It’s wonderful to see how this unique neighbourhood is taking shape. The historic Dirkzwager buildings are being preserved, maintaining the area’s historical value. The new homes blend seamlessly into this rich past. I wish the first residents every happiness in their new home."
The 27 terraced houses and courtyard homes vary widely in design, ensuring each property has its own unique character. The homes in this phase were sold quickly, demonstrating the high demand among prospective buyers. Today, Alderman Volkman handed over the keys to the first residents, Davy Verhoeckx and Maud Van der Vaart from Rotterdam. The couple, parents with their one-year-old son Sepp, are the proud owners of a single-family home of the ‘Maarten’ type. In addition to Maarten, there are also types Bobbie, Jules, and Dirk—all named after figures from the area’s gin history. Davy says: “We were looking for an urban home in a nice city, preferably new-build. Dirkzwager meets all our wishes.”
Phase 3
Van Wijnen Project Development has also launched sales for phase 3: 38 single-family homes, ranging from waterfront properties with terraces to terraced houses and city apartments. Arjan van Meijeren, Director of Van Wijnen Project Development: "This variety of housing types makes the neighbourhood accessible to a diverse range of residents, from couples and young families to singles and seniors." There are still homes available in phase 3; for more information, visit dirkzwagerschiedam.nl.
New housing developments in Schiedam
The demand for housing in the Netherlands is high. That’s why the Municipality of Schiedam is working hard over the coming years to address the housing shortage. In addition to the 150 new-build homes in Dirkzwager, the municipality has set an ambitious target of building at least 6,000 new homes by 2030. The municipality is focusing on a wide range of housing types, including owner-occupied homes, private rental properties, 50-plus housing, and social housing. Major developments such as Schieveste and the Glasbuurt are underway, alongside smaller-scale projects in various neighbourhoods across the city. For more details, visit www.sdam.nl/wonen.