400 people interested in “Building a New Neighborhood” in Beneden-Leeuwen

On Wednesday, August 27th, no fewer than 400 people attended the event about the future of the De Hey Acker site on Rozenstraat in Beneden-Leeuwen. The evening was an initiative of Woonstichting De Kernen, the municipality of West Maas en Waal, and Zorggroep Maas & Waal. The goal was to inspire residents and stakeholders and to encourage them to think along about the new development of this site.

The old nursing home still stands on the site. The plan is to develop a new neighborhood here. Residents have been encouraged—through newsletters and the newspaper, among other channels—to share their ideas and help build a pleasant neighborhood and a new future for housing. The goal is to build a strong community.

Plenty of interest and curiosity

Based on the large turnout and the conversations they had, the organizers concluded that there is a great deal of interest and curiosity. The organizers were also able to explain why they want to develop this project in this way.

In Beneden-Leeuwen a growing elderly population but few suitable homes, and not enough space for young people. Now is the time to make a difference and work toward creating a neighborhood where people look out for one another.

What's next? 

The kickoff has taken place. The organizers will review the feedback from attendees and identify common themes. At the information evening, residents who wish to contribute ideas and discuss the plan’s development were able to sign up for workshops that will begin this fall. The exact details are still being worked out. One of the requirements is that participants are willing to actively contribute ideas in the best interest of the entire village. Participation in the workshops does not guarantee a home in the new neighborhood.

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