On 17 July 2025, the Municipality of Schiedam entered into an agreement with Ballast Nedam Development regarding the issuance of land at the Peperklip site. This contract marks the next step in the realisation of a new primary school, a sports hall, 232 homes and a community centre that will serve as the Heart of the Neighbourhood. Construction of the first block is expected to start in late 2026 or early 2027.
The redevelopment of the existing public primary school De Peperklip and Sports Hall Oost represents an important boost for the neighbourhood. According to Alderman Antoinette Laan (Housing), this is an opportunity to create a Heart of the Neighbourhood for Schiedam East, combined with an additional housing programme for the area:
“This will be a multifunctional location that can give the neighbourhood a significant boost. We are deliberately focusing on homes in new segments and for target groups that are not yet present in the area. This variety of housing will contribute to a more diverse housing supply in the neighbourhood, set residential mobility in motion, and strengthen the area as a whole. The new sustainably built sports hall and school will also encourage a healthy lifestyle and provide a pleasant learning environment for pupils.”
Lead-up to Schieveste
The development of the southern block connects with the existing housing around Lorentzplein. The northern block along Horvathweg forms a transition towards the high-rise development at Schieveste. By positioning a height accent in the northern block, the development aligns well with Schieveste.
Within this Heart of the Neighbourhood, various social facilities will be accommodated, such as a GP practice, a library and shared amenities including a communal kitchen, creating ample opportunities for social interaction.
“The development of the Peperklip site goes beyond adding homes alone. In terms of energy efficiency, water retention, nature, biodiversity and shaded public spaces, significant efforts are being made to deliver a sustainable boost to the neighbourhood and to strengthen a vibrant community. The realisation of the new school, sports hall and homes, combined with a Heart of the Neighbourhood, will contribute greatly to this,” says Onno Dwars, Commercial Director of Ballast Nedam Development.
Fulfilling regional agreements
In March 2022, the Municipality of Schiedam reached agreements with Stichting Primo Schiedam regarding the new construction of De Peperklip. Following a careful selection procedure, an agreement was signed with Ballast Nedam Development on 20 October 2022 as the developer for this site. The past period has been used to further develop the plans together with involved parties, residents and stakeholders. With the Peperklip site project, the municipality is giving substance to regional agreements, the municipal Housing Vision, the Schiedam Central Station Area Vision, the National Programme for Liveability and Safety, and the Integrated Education Housing Plan.
SchieDistrict
The development at the Peperklip site is one of the projects within the SchieDistrict area development. Housing development within SchieDistrict stimulates residential mobility within the city and attracts new target groups. Through SchieDistrict, the Municipality of Schiedam aims to make major strides in the fields of living, working, staying, lifelong learning and mobility. Everyone in Schiedam should be able to work, live well and develop themselves.
Photo: Tamara Heck.