The city of Venlo has reached significant milestones with the Centrumplan Tegelen project, which commenced back in June 2024. This comprehensive urban redevelopment has nearly come to completion, bringing much-needed infrastructure improvements to the heart of Tegelen. Among the completed tasks is the stunning refurbishment of the Wilhelminaplein, where the newly laid cobblestones feature the welcoming phrase, ‘Welkóm in centrum Tegula, Dörp van de Pannekletsers.’
Following the successful renovations of Wilhelminaplein, the focus shifted to the Kerkstraat, where additional work required by WML on the water pipelines moved the project forward. This segment underwent two phases, with the first between Wilhelminaplein and Schoolstraat commencing and finishing successfully by August 2024. Concurrently, parking improvements at Raadhuislaan have also been executed through three phases, ensuring the area remains accessible for shopping and local business supplies.
The latter part of the Kerkstraat project, spanning from Schoolstraat to Brasserie Rach, is also nearing completion, and it is expected to wrap up before the upcoming Carnival celebrations. Business and municipal representatives expressed satisfaction with the work of contractor BLM Wegenbouw, especially how well they’ve managed construction activity around the local businesses.
After the Carnival festivities, the anticipated last phase of the project will focus on redesigning the public space surrounding the Oude Raadhuis, which is projected to take two months without interfering with local traffic. During these developments, adjustments to lighting infrastructure are underway, with new light masts set to be installed after temporary removals from Raadhuisplein were delayed due to modifications by Enexis. These improvements show the municipality's commitment to enhancing the urban environment for residents and visitors.
Simultaneously, just beyond Tegelen, the village of Bitgum celebrated the beginning of another impactful construction project on February 27, 2025. This project initiated the building of 48 new residences, spearheaded by Wonen Noordwest Friesland. The old rental units, which have fallen short of modern living standards, are being replaced with vibrant new homes, including three family houses and four single-story homes to cater to the aging population.
Local contractor Friso Bouwgroep is responsible for the entire development, which emphasizes sustainability with features like air-source heating pumps and solar panels on roofs. These energy-efficient solutions align with local goals of environmental responsibility and improvement of living standards. Lolke Jan Dijkstra, president of Dorpsbelang Bitgum, touted the project’s importance, noting, "Het zorgt ervoor dat de mensen die al langere tijd in het dorp wonen, ook daadwerkelijk de mogelijkheid krijgen om in hun eigen omgeving te blijven wonen"—a perspective underscoring the necessity of community developments.
The construction will occur in two phases, with the first phase already kicked off, incorporating the laying of floor parts and expected completion by summer 2025. The second phase, covering the remaining homes, is set to begin by October 2025. Notably, local residents played a significant role during the design phase of these homes, allowing their ideas to help shape the outcome, ensuring these buildings not only meet sustainability criteria but also reflect the village's character.
Both the Centrumplan Tegelen and Bitgum housing projects showcase how municipalities are actively working to uplift their communities through thoughtful planning, responsiveness to local needs, and enhancements to the environment. The efforts signify not just mere construction but rather the foundation of stronger, more vibrant communities aimed at securing sustainable futures.