By Robert Heijdemann
The Marimba Hall was built in the early 1970s and grew into an important meeting place in the neighborhood. Volleyball, badminton and korfball clubs in particular made intensive use of the hall. Countless students had their first gym lessons here and many regional sports championships were celebrated there.
Renovation not profitable
According to the municipality, the sports hall no longer meets current requirements for some time. The building is difficult to make sustainable, has high maintenance costs and does not meet current sports and welfare needs. “Renovation is no longer profitable” is the conclusion in municipal documents. “We are pleased that the demolition of the Marimba Hall has finally started. After years of preparation and discussion, an important milestone has been achieved for the redevelopment of the area,” we hear from councilor Larissa Beltvelzen. Stripping of the inside of the hall has now started. The outside will also be demolished in about three weeks. A new and versatile complex will be built at this location in the future. The plans include the construction of a small sports hall where training and competitions can be played, a community center, a parking garage and approximately 40 homes.
Youth housing
There will be room for housing on the site of the current Marimba Hall. Rijswijk, like many other municipalities, is faced with a high demand for housing. The location is seen as suitable for a mix of homes, with attention to quality of life and greenery in the neighborhood. Some of these homes will be specifically intended for Rijswijk’s youth, a wish that has been realized through a Better for Rijswijk motion. Councilor Larissa Bentvelzen expresses her satisfaction with the project: “I am happy that we have been able to realize this project together after many years. Both the municipality and the council have worked hard to make this possible.”
Shortage of sports facilities
Remco Nunnikhoven, councilor of Beter voor Rijswijk, also emphasizes the importance of the new construction plans: “Rijswijk is growing towards 80,000 inhabitants. When building homes, we should not forget the facilities. Indoor sports clubs are already facing a shortage of sports facilities, and without action that shortage will only increase.” Remco: “With the start of the demolition of the Marimba Hall, Rijswijk is taking an important step towards a future-proof area, in which living, sports and meeting come together.”
New neighborhood facility
Although the sports hall will disappear, a new neighborhood facility will return. This facility will have a different character than the old Marimba Hall. Not a classic sports hall, but a multifunctional building where sports, community activities, courses, youth and elderly work come together.
