Roermond - For over 10 years, the Weerstand area (formerly the Philips site) in Roermond has been inactive. Since the departure of Philips and later Yageo, there has been no industrial activity, and plants and animals have taken over this place. As a result, the site has become an eyesore for many residents of the surrounding neighborhoods of Vrijveld and Maasniel. Additionally, there is high pressure on housing and living space today, leading to a demand for densification within the city's boundaries.
| Location | Roermond |
| Assignment | Masterplan |
| Size | 7,5 hectares |
| Design | 2020-present |
| Client | REEL BV |
| Team | Hans Smolenaers, Luc Veeger, Joep van Baast, Liza van Alphen, Ferry Steng, Loris Haddad, Milou van Min, Reza Al Kaabi, Laas Scharaf |
| Copyright images | Arcadis |
In late 2020, Arcadis commenced the development of an area vision on behalf of the initiator REEL BV, working closely with the community. There is a significant ambition to collaboratively create an adaptive urban district that ensures a robust identity. This identity will be based on the spontaneously emerging natural qualities and industrial gems of the location.
The Architecture, Landscape Architecture & Urban Design team at Arcadis possesses expertise in transforming multifunctional complex areas. With our integrated perspective on ecology, sustainability, and architecture, we design an urban structural plan that draws inspiration from the unique history to shape the new era. In addition to the area vision and urban structural design, we also handle components such as participation, image quality plan, management plan, temporary use (placemaking), and planning and zoning investigations related to the proposed change in the zoning plan.
No large-scale demolition, but a sustainable transformation. Seventy-five percent of the buildings will be converted into residences, studios, and workspaces for the creative industry," says Landscape Architect, Architect, and Urban Planner Hans Smolenaers. "It was important for us that the existing green and tree structures on the site would be preserved and enhanced by planting more trees." The design incorporates not only existing structures but also the reuse of materials already present, providing an efficient and sustainable solution. "The circularity of existing materials is evident in both the frameworks of various buildings and materials in the outdoor space," says project architect Luc Veeger. This includes the fire pond, the characteristic concrete shell elements of the shed roofs, the stelcon slabs, and even the structures of the pipe streets. This approach not only ensures efficient use of resources but also preserves the essence of this place.
Weerstand is on the brink of a multi-year area transformation where a qualitative approach leads to a change in mentality in the city. From the outset, the community, initiators, and the municipality have been jointly involved in creating plans under the motto: 'Building WEERSTAND (resistance) together!'
