Gelderland plans 200 affordable homes on provincial government building
Gelderland is exploring an innovative solution to the housing crisis by adding 200 affordable homes atop the Huis der Provincie in Arnhem. This initiative targets students and young professionals, offering a mix of social and mid-market rentals to ease the region’s severe housing shortage.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Huis der Provincie, Arnhem, Gelderland |
| Number of homes | 200 |
| Target groups | Students and young professionals |
| Housing types | 30% social rent, mid-market rentals, and penthouses |
| Shared facilities | Communal swimming pool (proposed) |
| Project name | Living in the Heart of Democracy |
| Initiating body | Province of Gelderland |
| Architectural partner | opZoom Architecten |
| Next steps | Feasibility study and plan development |
The Province of Gelderland is responsible for regional spatial planning and housing policy, aiming to address the housing shortage through innovative and sustainable solutions. This initiative reflects its role in promoting efficient use of existing infrastructure to meet the needs of residents.
Read the full translated article below
Opportunity for 200 homes on top of Huis der Provincie
We are exploring the possibility of building homes on top of the Huis der Provincie in Arnhem. Together with opZoom Architecten, we conducted a study into adding an extra floor to our provincial building. This ‘topping-up’ would create space for 200 affordable homes for students and young professionals.
Better utilisation of existing buildings
The housing shortage in Gelderland remains severe. This calls for new and sometimes unconventional solutions. We must make better use of existing buildings, through splitting, sharing homes, and topping-up. With a few simple interventions, we can build 200 homes on the roof of the provincial building.
Dirk Vreugdenhil
Province of Gelderland
With this initiative, we want to show that existing buildings offer far more opportunities than we often realise. Topping-up, sharing, and reallocating space can contribute to creating additional living space in multiple locations.
Living on top of Huis der Provincie
In the study with opZoom Architecten, we examined how an extra floor on Huis der Provincie could look. This new level could accommodate around 200 compact homes. Approximately 30% of these would fall under social rent, supplemented by mid-market rentals and a few penthouses on the top floor. The homes are primarily aimed at students and young professionals.
In the coming period, we will further develop the plans under the name ‘Living in the Heart of Democracy’. We will also examine the technical and spatial feasibility, including how shared facilities—such as a communal swimming pool—can contribute to more efficient use of space.
Call to governments and residents
With this study, we want to demonstrate that existing buildings offer opportunities for additional living space. We call on other governments to explore the possibilities within their own buildings, such as town halls, offices, or other public facilities.
We also urge residents to look at their own homes: do you have an empty attic, floor, or unused space? Consider whether it could be suitable for additional living space. If all of Gelderland makes a little extra space, we can live in today’s buildings tomorrow.
Deputy Dirk Vreugdenhil: “This study shows what is possible when you look at existing buildings with fresh eyes.”
More information at www.gelderland.nl/morgenwonen