MFA Gerwen: ready for renovation and sustainability

The plans had been under discussion for some time and now the time has come: the renovation of the multifunctional accommodation (MFA) D'n Heuvel in Gerwen is about to start. Not only can the municipality not wait to renovate this building and make it more sustainable, Frans van Maasakkers, chairman of the Social Cultural Activities Foundation (SSCA), is also pleased with the plans. Van der Horst was chosen as the construction partner after a tender process. Studio STRK was responsible for the design. On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, all parties attended the official "act of demolition" as the starting signal.

Social and sustainable

With sustainability, social real estate and mobility in his portfolio, Sandor Löwik is the Alderman in charge of this project. "This idea was already running during the previous administration," Sandor said. "My predecessors deserve compliments for being here now. There are two desires surrounding the Village Hall. First, we want to make the building more sustainable and future-proof. In addition, we would like the building to be multifunctional and inviting to walk in. In this we consider three facets important: social, cultural and sporting."

The SSCA Foundation has also had a major role in the plans for the MFA, says Sandor. "They have given plenty of input and collected all wishes and ideas from the users and fellow villagers. In addition, they are getting to work themselves to help with the dismantling. I like to see that involvement. That the associations take this up together shows the strength of a village."

The feeling with construction partner Van der Horst is good. "They came out best from the tender looking at price-quality ratio and have a lot of experience with this kind of project," shares Sandor. The comprehensive plan of action including the described measures to limit inconvenience, the suggested optimizations to improve the plan and the planning also contributed to the award.

A multipurpose building for all associations

As president of the SSCA D'n Heuvel Foundation, Frans van Maasakkers has been working on the plans surrounding the Village Hall for years. "We want to adapt the building to the wishes that lived in the village. In addition, the municipality wants to disconnect the existing gym from the elementary school so that we can manage it and the hall can be used more often. In addition, we think it is important that the building has more functions, but also that more activities can take place at the same time."

The layout of the new rooms takes this into account. For example, there will be a special entrance for the gymnasium. Frans: "We will also have a new meeting space that will soon be accessible from several sides. Ideal for village festivities. What we also find very important is the visibility of the activities in the village hall. That is why there will be a lot of glass at the front of the building, so that everyone can look inside and see what fun things are taking place."

For and by villagers

That this should be a village hall for and by village residents is clear. "We were given a voice and allowed to contribute ideas about what the building should meet," says Frans. "We organized meetings with users, tenants and other people from the village. The Village Council held a survey with questions about what people would like to see in return. With all those wishes, the architect set to work to come up with a design. This was presented several times, and the current plan was the result. But our role does not stop here. We also take care of the finishing touches ourselves. For example, we will install the bar, lay a floor and get to work on painting. That also shows that people in Gerwen are willing to roll up their sleeves. To work together to make something beautiful out of a building we can all enjoy."

So the associations are working with Van der Horst in the finishing touches. Frans says: "We wanted to have a say in the phases in which the construction would take place, so that the associations would suffer as little as possible. Van der Horst has experience in the renovation of MFAs and knows exactly what problems there are for users and landlords. They communicate clearly and try to keep the construction phase as short as possible."

Transparent communication and clear planning

Koen Evers, foreman at Van der Horst, will direct and coordinate work on the construction site. "We know how important it is to involve every party carefully and communicate clearly. There are so many users, we take everyone's interests into account. In addition, we ensure as little inconvenience as possible. Of course you can never prevent it completely, but by sharing clear information you limit this. Moreover, it's for a good cause: to ensure that the community center has an even better function for the village of Gerwen. By continuing to talk to each other and making clear agreements, we can ensure that a beautiful building will be built of which the community and the residents can be proud. We also keep a close eye on the budget. For the users and client, we want to get the most out of every euro and are constantly thinking along with them."

Sustainable and future-proof 

Much of the budget will go toward solar panels and installing a heat pump. "When we are finished, it will be an energy-efficient building. Completely gas-free and future-proof. With this we will meet the wishes of the municipality and get the most out of the building and the budget," concludes Koen. 

Commencement ceremony March 12

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 was the official start of the renovation. A special moment for the village of Gerwen. Alderman Sandor Löwik, Chairman SSCA Foundation Frans van Maasakkers and Ted van Schijndel (Commercial Director Van der Horst) were present. All parties are ready and looking forward to a beautiful new multifunctional accommodation; Gerwen's living room.