Last April, project developer Van Wijnen took full ownership of the Zaankwartier construction project, and demolition began on the former Meneba site. Over the past few months, a great deal of hard work has gone into preparing for the start of construction. Today was the day: the first construction milestone. A party tent was set up on the site to celebrate this milestone in style. Several people spoke, with Monique and Cecile being the first to say a few words on behalf of WormerWonen and Parteon. Building is more than just stacking bricks. It is a historic industrial area, and the developments bring the past and present together. Frank Klomp, director of Van Wijnen, emphasized that the industrial past will also remain visible in the new residential neighborhood. It has been a long road with many bumps, setbacks, and delays. Everyone involved has certainly had their share of worries, but now the time has come to start building. All parties are therefore proud that a new phase is now beginning. After rain comes sunshine, and that was literally and figuratively the case today. Alderman Harrie van der Laan was present for the official ceremony and congratulated all parties. He is incredibly pleased that, after so much time, construction is finally moving forward. A toast was therefore made, and the shovel was symbolically placed in the ground.

After that, it was time for some food and drinks, courtesy of the delicious catering provided by De Huiskamer Wormer. Nearly 800 homes will be built in the new Zaankwartier neighborhood. The vast majority will be apartments, with over 100 single-family homes in addition. Construction will be carried out in several phases. Construction will begin with the first 198 social rental apartments, distributed across a residential tower and two gallery buildings. These will consist of two-bedroom apartments (25%) and three-bedroom apartments (75%). The Wormer Wonen housing foundation will own 39 apartments, and the remaining 159 apartments will be owned by the Parteon housing association. The first homes are expected to be completed in early 2027. The other two buildings will follow. Lidl also expects to open the doors of its new supermarket in 2027. The environmental plan will soon become final, and construction of the supermarket is scheduled to begin in October 2026. Construction is expected to take just under a year. In the next phase of the Zaankwartier project, more affordable housing will follow. In total, about 60% of the new homes to be built (amounting to 450 homes) will be affordable. In addition to housing, there will be an above-ground parking garage, a daycare center, a hotel, and more. Construction of the entire new residential neighborhood will take 5, 6, or perhaps even 7 years. During the construction work, traffic will occasionally be disrupted. For safety reasons, for example, Noorddijk and Vlasblomweg will be briefly closed while the piles are being driven.