Mona Keijzer, Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning, paid a working visit today to the Hoeksche Waard. Central to the visit was Stougjeswijk in Oud-Beijerland, a so-called breakthrough location where housing construction can be accelerated. Anne Koning, Provincial Executive for Housing for the Province of South Holland, was also present.
Stougjeswijk as a breakthrough location for accelerated housing development
Last year, the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning designated 24 breakthrough locations across the Netherlands where housing construction can be prepared more quickly. Stougjeswijk is one of these locations. Through particularly close cooperation, clear agreements and short lines of communication, work on delivering new homes can be accelerated here. The challenges associated with accelerated area development—such as accessibility and a stable energy supply—require an integrated approach. Together with grid operators and other partners, efforts are therefore underway to create an energy system that matches the growth of the neighbourhood and the use of sustainable energy.
Over the coming years, approximately 2,500 homes will be built in phases in Stougjeswijk. The area is located east of Oud-Beijerland, between the Stougjesdijk and the N217. The ambition is to deliver between 150 and 500 homes annually from 2027 onwards.
The development places strong emphasis on housing, safe and good accessibility, and a suitable energy supply. Alderman Adriaan van der Wulp explains:
“By designating Stougjeswijk as a breakthrough location, we can move forward more quickly—but only if we do this together and collectively commit to it. The demand for housing is high and building at this scale is complex. That is why clear and coherent agreements are needed on how the neighbourhood fits into the landscape, the accessibility of Stougjeswijk and the surrounding villages, and the energy supply. These agreements have been jointly established and provide direction for the development of the neighbourhood, making it possible to gradually build homes for starters, families and seniors. There is also attention for safe and accessible routes, good public transport connections and appropriate amenities.”
Picking up the pace through cooperation
Minister Mona Keijzer also emphasised the importance of speed and collaboration:
“Through effective cooperation between developers, the housing corporation and the municipality, a breakthrough in housing development has been achieved here. National government and the province have taken up their roles and made their contributions. There is a solid plan in place, and the parties are now taking decisive action in the implementation. It is through this kind of cooperation that we can get a grip on the housing crisis.”
The Province of South Holland echoed this sentiment. Provincial Executive Anne Koning said:
“It is good news that around 2,500 homes are being added in the Hoeksche Waard, especially because the plans also pay attention to seniors and people in need of care. This is exactly what we like to see and it contributes to a strong South Holland.”
Working together on a new neighbourhood
Housing corporation HW Wonen and the developers BPD Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling, AM Ontwikkeling, Ballast Nedam Development and Roosdom Tijhuis are working together with the Municipality of Hoeksche Waard on the housing programme for Stougjeswijk. On behalf of the developers involved:
“We are developing Stougjeswijk with respect for its surroundings and with an eye for the people who will soon call this place home. Together with the municipality and other partners, we are working step by step towards a sustainable neighbourhood where it is pleasant to live. Stougjeswijk will have its own character, with a variety of smaller neighbourhoods, making it a valuable extension of Oud-Beijerland that aligns well with the identity of the Hoeksche Waard.”
From the social responsibility of the housing corporation, affordability is an important point of focus. Dennis Lausberg, Executive Director of HW Wonen, said:
“Stougjeswijk shows that we can only tackle the housing shortage through cooperation and courage. From our social role, we take responsibility for providing sufficient affordable rental homes that enable mobility within the housing market. We can only do this together with the municipality, national government, the province and market parties. In Stougjeswijk, this collective strength comes together, turning plans into a neighbourhood where there is room for everyone.”
More information about the Stougjeswijk housing project can be found at www.stougjeswijk.nl and via www.gemeentehw.nl/stougjeswijk.
Photo caption (from left to right):Lars van Engelen (Operational Director, developer Ballast Nedam Development), Hein Verbiest (Alderman for Mobility), Dennis Lausberg (Managing Director, housing corporation HW Wonen), Marco Wijntje (Development Manager, developer Roosdom Tijhuis), Adriaan van der Wulp (Alderman for Housing), Gilbert Kokenberg (Deputy Director, developer AM Ontwikkeling), Marian Witte (Mayor of the Municipality of Hoeksche Waard), Anne Koning (Provincial Executive for Housing, Province of South Holland), Theo van der Plas (Development Manager, developer BPD Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling), Mona Keijzer (Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning).
