New street in Valkenswaard named after Dutch explorer Olivier van Noort
Valkenswaard residents will soon see a new street named 'van Noorthof' in the Kerkakkers district, honoring the first Dutchman to circumnavigate the globe. This addition reflects the neighborhood's theme of historical explorers and marks progress in local development.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Street Name | van Noorthof |
| Location | Amundsenstraat development area, Kerkakkers district, Valkenswaard |
| Former Site | Sports hall site |
| Neighborhood Theme | Historical explorers |
| Explorer Honored | Olivier van Noort (1558–1627), first Dutch circumnavigator |
| Street Type | Hof (courtyard) |
| Decision Date | March 10, 2026 |
| Publication | Electronic Municipal Gazette |
The municipal executive of Valkenswaard is responsible for urban development and naming conventions within the municipality. Their role includes approving street names that align with local themes and historical significance, ensuring community identity is reflected in new developments.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Street name 'van Noorthof' established in Amundsenstraat development area
The municipal executive of Valkenswaard decided on March 10, 2026, to assign the name 'van Noorthof' to the new street within the new construction development on Amundsenstraat.
The construction site on Amundsenstraat is located on the former sports hall site in the Kerkakkers district. The development area is bordered by Amundsenstraat and the rear and side gardens of the homes on Scottstraat and Kromstraat. Initially, the plan was to connect the street to the existing (dead-end) Scottstraat, and a name had already been assigned for that purpose. However, in the final plans, it was decided to provide access to the new residential area via Amundsenstraat. The municipal executive asked the naming committee to provide advice on a suitable name for this street.
Rationale for the name 'van Noorthof'
The theme for street names in the Kerkakkers-Zuid neighborhood is 'historical explorers.' The naming committee places great value on assigning a street name that aligns with the neighborhood's theme. Therefore, a search was conducted for an explorer, specifically one relevant to the Netherlands. The Dutch explorer Olivier van Noort (Utrecht, ca. 1558 – Schoonhoven, February 22, 1627) is known as the first Dutchman to circumnavigate the globe between 1598 and 1601 in search of new trade routes. The committee therefore found it appropriate to name the street after Olivier van Noort.
Since the new street is a dead-end and is enclosed between a green strip and buildings, the committee advised not to designate it as a street but as a 'hof' (courtyard). As a result, the name 'van Noorthof' was chosen. The municipal executive adopted this advice.
The street name decision has been published in the Electronic Municipal Gazette on Overheid.nl and can be viewed via Straatnaambesluit van Noorthof.