In the centre of Groningen, the Rodeweeshuisstraat is being transformed from a dark back street into a lively part of the city centre. The conversion of the old V&D building and its former distribution building, and the construction of the Mercado, will revitalize the public space. This development is a good example of how De Zwarte Hond combines and integrates the power of urban planning and architecture to create better cities and city centres.

During the Second World War, the north side of the Grote Markt was destroyed. When it was rebuilt in the 1950s, large buildings were erected that reflected the optimism of the time, including the large and modern Vroom & Dreesmann department store. Over the years, the V&D complex expanded and Rodeweeshuisstraat largely became a supply street.

The bankruptcy of the department store chain and the disappearance of big department stores from old city centres are not isolated developments. The focus is shifting towards experience and quality, with attractive pedestrian areas, local products and specialist shops. In line with this development, De Zwarte Hond developed a vision for the creation of a knowledge axis. Based on this vision, the developers involved saw opportunities for the reuse of the remaining buildings.

In the new urban development plan drawn up by the partner architects De Zwarte Hond and Loer Architecten, the Rode Weeshuisstraat is no longer the back of the Grote Markt, but the front of the northern city centre. De Zwarte Hond is responsible for two renovation projects and one new building project, which together will ensure the revitalization of the public space and help transform the Rode Weeshuisstraat into a vibrant new hotspot: the Groot Handelshuis (MWPO), The Warehouse and Mercado (both MWPO & Beauvast). At the same time, the city council is working to renew the pavement in the city centre and create more space for cyclists and pedestrians.

A wide range of functions

During the post-war reconstruction, many large buildings were erected in the centre of Groningen which were used for a long time as department stores and the like. As a result of the disappearance of many of these functions left an area of large empty buildings, which proved difficult to fill. The various individual street profiles with a low spatial quality can be transformed into a high-quality living, working and shopping area, and at the same time form an important axis for mobility in the centre.

An important aspect of the development of the Knowledge Axis and Rode Weeshuisstraat is the effective use of this space by ensuring that it accommodates a variety of functions. For example, despite the national housing shortage, it was decided not to convert all the buildings into residential accomodation, but to strive for a proportional distribution of functions. The large size of many of these buildings also offers the possibility of mixed-use buildings, including the Groot Handelshuis, The Warehouse and Mercado.