The five shopping streets (Kempstraat, Hoefkade, Paul Krugerlaan, Vaillantlaan and Hobbemastraat) in the Schilderswijk and Transvaal are being renovated. The municipality of The Hague is going to invest 7 million in the area, with the ambition to make it a fully-fledged city centre area. The input from entrepreneurs, residents and other stakeholders from the area forms the basis for the plans. Among other things, the public space is being tackled with more greenery and more attractive area entrances, facades are being renovated and the walking routes and connection between the Haagse Markt and the shopping streets are being improved.
Alderman Nur Icar (SME and Participation): “As alderman for Participation, I am fully committed to doing this together with all stakeholders. Several meetings have been organised recently where they could provide their input. The plan that is now in place was really developed together with the city.” Participation will continue to play a major role in the further implementation and elaboration of the programme. Icar: “We will continue to talk to entrepreneurs, residents and other partners, such as corporations, to see what is needed and what is required.”
Dynamic and diverse neighborhoods
In the Schilderswijk and Transvaal live almost 50,000 inhabitants with 125 different cultural backgrounds. The five shopping streets offer employment and are important for the economy of the districts, but there are also challenges, such as the accessibility of the area and the limited level of organization of entrepreneurs. Furthermore, there is a demand for activities and events and the desire for a clean area is great. The appearance of the public space and the mutual connection between the Kempstraat, Hobbemastraat, the Haagse Markt and the Paul Krugerlaan can also be improved.
Icar: “I know the power of this area. There is so much entrepreneurship, diversity, liveliness and there are so many different cultures. With the plans that are now in place, we will ensure that this power also becomes visible and that this area gets the attention it deserves.”
The full plans, which are now being submitted to the city council, can be found here .
Photo caption: Alderman Nur Icar (SME and Participation) with entrepreneurs from Paul Krugerlaan
Photographer: Fleur Beemster