The housing association De Veste, owner since February of all residential buildings on campus, presented the two construction projects last week. Jan Sinke, manager of the housing association from Ommen, is optimistic. `We want to start construction before the end of the year.' He is confident about getting the necessary permits in time. The project has to be completed before the end of 2006, when the houses at Calslaan Nieuw are demolished.
At the Calslaan (on the parking lot near the current supermarket), a three-story building will be built with 163 apartments: 148 apartments for one person and fifteen for two. The interior of the apartments has not yet been determined. Sinke: `We haven't determined whether we will build according to the hotel principle, with a shower and kitchen near the entrance, or choose another structure. We are considering building one demonstration interior on campus, so that students can take a look.'
The Campagneplein complex will be quite high: eight stories. Sinke: `We have big plans for this building. Instead of an unused wall, we want to make it an alpinist climbing wall. That will make the building livelier; and why not?'
Not only will this tall building contain 74 apartments with fixed interiors (due to little room for variation in the design), the high building will also house several shops. ´The existing commercial centre will be moved here, ´ Sinke explains. ´As soon as this building is finished, they will move to the Campagneplein and the old buildings will be demolished. That means the boulevard will end at the entrance of the new Campuslaan building.'
The new apartments will be independent units with a kitchen and bathroom. Sinke: `Right now, the campus mostly provides accommodation for groups. We need to add something to that. The gross rent of these new units will be 220 euro per month, but they qualify for a rent subsidy because they are independent units. That makes it very interesting for potential tenants.´ According to executive board member Willem te Beest, the board is very enthusiastic about the plans.
On the same night, the consultancy Royal Haskoning presented the new campus road structure. The Education & Research area and the Living & Recreation area will be completely off-limits to cars. The Drienerlolaan will disappear, creating a green heart in the centre of campus.
