How do you transform a back street into a new hotspot?
Transformation Rode Weeshuisstraat
De Zwarte Hond worked on two transformation projects and one new building in the heart of Groningen: Het Groot Handelshuis (MWPO), The Warehouse, and Mercado (both MWPO & Beauvast). These projects mark an important step in the redevelopment of the northern side of the Grote Markt, which was destroyed during World War II. In the 1950s reconstruction period, large buildings were erected here, reflecting the optimism of the time. Vroom & Dreesmann opened a large, modern five-story department store. Over the years, the V&D complex expanded into a cluster of buildings, with the Rode Weeshuisstraat primarily serving as a supply route. The bankruptcy of the department store chain marked the end of an era, but the disappearance of large department stores from historic city centers is part of a broader trend. It reflects a shift in our urban cores: cars and department stores are giving way to experience and quality, with attractive pedestrian zones and specialty shops.
Where the city center once ended at the northern side, the area now forms a new link between various routes through the city. With Het Groot Handelshuis, The Warehouse, and Mercado, De Zwarte Hond has contributed to the revitalization of the public realm. In parallel, the municipality renewed the paving in the city center to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians.
data
- Location
- Groningen, NL
- Size
- 25.531 m²
- Client
- Eigen initiatief
- Discipline
- Architecture, Urban Design
- Program
- Housing, Offices
- Period
- 2018-2023
- Status
- Completed
- Photography
- Colordot, De Zwarte Hond, Ronald Zijlstra Fotografie, Sebastiaan van Damme, Marcel Ijzerman
- Awards (1)
-
- Kern Jaarprijs 2025
- Kern Jaarprijs 2025
Groningen
Rode Weeshuisstraat
From backstreet to vibrant city centre
In the heart of Groningen, the Rode Weeshuisstraat has been transformed from a dark, overlooked backstreet into a lively part of the city centre. The transformation of the former V&D building and the old distribution centre, along with the construction of Mercado, has led to a revitalisation of the public realm. This development is a strong example of how De Zwarte Hond combines and integrates the forces of urban planning and architecture to create better (inner) cities.
During World War II, the northern side of the Grote Markt was destroyed. In the reconstruction years of the 1950s, large buildings were erected that reflected the optimism of the time, including the large and modern Vroom & Dreesmann department store. Over time, the V&D complex expanded and the Rode Weeshuisstraat primarily served as a service and delivery street.
The bankruptcy of the department store chain and the disappearance of large department stores from historic city centres is part of a broader trend. The focus is shifting towards experience and quality, with attractive pedestrian zones, local products, and specialty shops. In line with this development, De Zwarte Hond designed a vision for the creation of a knowledge axis. Based on this vision, the involved developers saw opportunities for repurposing the remaining buildings.
Integrated area development transforms the northern side of the city centre
In the new urban development plan, designed by the architectural partnership De Zwarte Hond and Loer Architecten, the Rode Weeshuisstraat is no longer the backside of the Grote Markt, but the new front of Groningen’s northern city centre. De Zwarte Hond worked on two transformation projects and one new building that together contribute to the revitalisation of the public realm. Het Groot Handelshuis (MWPO), The Warehouse, and Mercado (both MWPO & Beauvast) have played a key role in transforming the Rode Weeshuisstraat into a vibrant new hotspot. In parallel, the municipality renewed the paving in the city centre to create more space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Knowledge axis and key connections
Knowledge Axis and open space
The knowledge axis as a foundation for redevelopment
To effectively revitalise the Rode Weeshuisstraat, De Zwarte Hond approached the surrounding area as an integrated whole. In recent decades, the city centre of Groningen has experienced a functional shift from north to south. To restore meaning to the northern part of the city, De Zwarte Hond introduced the concept of the knowledge axis as the foundation for inner-city redevelopment. The focus lies on retaining knowledge and employment in the city centre, and on promoting areas of Calm, Buzz, and Noise, which together enhance quality of life. Fragmented street profiles with limited spatial quality have been transformed into a high-quality mixed-use area for living, working, and shopping, while also forming a key mobility corridor in the city centre.
Connectivity and quality of life
A crucial aspect of developing the knowledge axis is its intersection with other important connections in the city centre. This ensures a strong north–south link between the functions located along the axis, resulting in a well-connected urban core. A key intervention was the transformation of the existing situation, where most buildings turned their backs to the axis. By replacing rear façades with frontages, activating ground floors with open functions, and adding high-quality housing mixed with office space and study areas, the knowledge axis breathes new life into the city. The spatial quality of the area has improved, it has become more attractive to knowledge workers, and the university is now more closely connected to the city. Public spaces such as city parks have also been linked to further enhance liveability.
Large buildings on the Knowledge Axis
A wide range of functions
During the post-war reconstruction, numerous large buildings were erected in Groningen’s city centre, which for decades housed department stores and similar functions. As many of these functions disappeared, the area was left with large, vacant buildings that proved difficult to repurpose. Fragmented street profiles with limited spatial quality have since been transformed into a high-quality mixed-use district for living, working, and shopping, while also forming a key mobility corridor in the city centre.
A crucial aspect in the development of the knowledge axis and the Rode Weeshuisstraat was the effective use of space by ensuring a diverse programme. Despite the national housing shortage, it was deliberately decided not to convert all buildings into residential units, but to aim for a balanced mix of functions.
The large scale of many of these buildings also made it possible to introduce mixed-use concepts. Projects such as Het Groot Handelshuis, The Warehouse, and Mercado combine multiple functions under one roof.
Functional map of the Knowledge Axis
Legenda
The Groot Handelshuis makes an empty building part of the city again
Mercado brings light, air and dynamism to the street and even creates a new square
