LOON OP ZAND – On Friday, March 6, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM local time, the first shovel of earth was turned to mark the beginning of construction on a new community center in Loon op Zand, Netherlands. Wethouder Suzan Mandemakers, Kees Roelofs of the Dorpshuis Foundation and builder BM van Houwelingen jointly initiated the project, a development eagerly anticipated by residents, organizations, and volunteers for years.
The symbolic groundbreaking took place on the building site itself. For many present, the moment represented more than just a ceremony; it signified the realization of a project following years of planning, research, and consultation. This new facility promises to be a central gathering place for the community.
A Long Road to Realization
According to Wethouder Suzan Mandemakers, the start of construction is a significant moment for the village. The project has a considerable history, dating back to 2015 when residents shared their ideas and wishes during a “dromenlab” – a dream lab – session. Subsequent plans were developed but ultimately proved unfeasible.
The dorpshuis project received a fresh start in 2022. Since then, the municipality has collaborated with involved organizations to create a viable plan. This process faced some delays, including the require for flora and fauna assessments. Specifically, the presence of bats required additional measures before construction could proceed, demonstrating a commitment to environmental considerations.
Mandemakers emphasized that this period wasn’t wasted time. Preparations continued, and the plan steadily took shape. With the commencement of ground work, the project is now visibly moving forward.
A New Home for Local Clubs
Kees Roelofs, Chairman of the Dorpshuis Foundation, highlighted the long wait for a shared space for many local organizations. Currently, 37 clubs utilize various locations throughout the village. This dispersed arrangement creates logistical challenges and limits opportunities for collaboration.
Roelofs believes the new community center will once again serve as a central meeting point. The building will accommodate activities, gatherings, and sports. However, the municipality opted for a more compact design than a large sports hall, aligning the facility with actual usage needs.
Indoor sports such as volleyball, badminton, and basketball will have a place in the new building, with a focus on the multi-functional employ of the spaces. This flexible design aims to cater to a wide range of community needs.
Construction Underway
BM van Houwelingen, based in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, began ground work on Monday, March 9, 2026. The initial phase involves excavating the building pit and driving piles for the foundation.
To minimize environmental impact, the contractor is utilizing electric cranes where possible. When electric equipment isn’t feasible, lower-emission fuels are being used. Specialized partners are also involved in the installations, including Van der Buijs for mechanical installations and Hoppenbrouwers for electrical work.
Approximately ten to twenty workers are on site during the first phase of construction. This number is expected to increase to forty or fifty employees per day during later stages, such as facade work and interior finishing.
Completion Expected in 2027
According to the current schedule, the community center is slated for completion around March 2027. This will provide Loon op Zand with a renewed central hub where organizations, residents, and visitors can connect.
The project’s initiators hope the dorpshuis will evolve into a true “living room” for the village – a place where activities converge and residents can easily find each other. The facility is envisioned as a vibrant center for community life, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Wethouder Suzan Mandemakers, who has served in her role since 2021 and previously worked in the youth care sector, has been a key figure in driving this project forward. Her background in social issues and community development has informed the planning process, ensuring the facility meets the needs of a diverse population.
The selection of BM van Houwelingen as the builder, alongside partners like Hoppenbrouwers Techniek and Van den Buijs Installaties, reflects a commitment to quality and expertise in the construction process. The collaborative approach aims to deliver a facility that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The next major milestone will be the completion of the foundation work, paving the way for the building’s structure to rise. Residents can expect to see significant progress in the coming months as the project moves closer to its March 2027 completion date.
Stay tuned to local news sources for updates on the construction progress and opportunities to get involved in shaping the future of the Loon op Zand community center.
