Kickoff housing construction Terwispel: village is building its own future

Alderman Marcel van Opzeeland, together with board members of Stichting Moai Wenplak Terwispel and future residents, gave the symbolic starting signal. Papers were also signed for the transfer of the first part of the land. 

Alderman Marcel van Opzeeland (wonen): "This is in project dêr't wy mei-inoar grutsk op wêze meie. What hjir yn Terwispel bart, is gjin standert wenningbouboujekt. It is a local initiative that has come to fruition with a lot of perseverance and energy. As gemeente stypje wy dit fan herte, omdat it bydraacht oan de leefberens, sosjale bining én betelberens fan wenjen yn ús doarpen. Terwispel lit sjen how't je as mienskip selsels it ferskil meitsje kinne."

Hetty Visser, secretary Foundation Moai Wenplak Terwispel: "We are extremely proud that after years of preparation we can now really start building. What once started as an idea in a think tank has grown into a concrete plan that we as a village are proud of. This project is not only important for the house seekers in Terwispel, but also for the future and livability of our village."

Long-term village initiative

The project has a long history. The first ideas emerged as early as around 2016, as part of a think tank within Local Interest. After a survey of village residents, it became clear that there was a great need for affordable housing for young people and first-time buyers. That desire formed the basis for the current plan: 26 homes for different target groups, developed in phases.

From 2021, Stichting Moai Wenplak Terwispel took over the direction. Thanks to a substantial private contribution to pay for the preparatory work and cooperation with the municipality, the project became financially and organizationally feasible. Architect Dorenbos from Oentsjerk drew the design, and the foundation found construction companies capable of realizing the homes at competitive prices.

Unique collaboration

In 2023, the Opsterland municipality decided to prepare the site for construction itself and then sell the lots to the foundation. On September 22, 2023, a letter of intent was signed for this purpose. This construction enables the foundation to sell the lots on a priority basis to residents of Terwispel or people with strong ties to the village. 

The plan includes in total:

• 10 affordable row houses for first-time buyers (max. €250,000 v.o.n.)
• 4 semi-detached owner-occupied houses (below €405,000 v.o.n. price level 2025)
• 6 detached houses (above €405,000 v.o.n.), mandatory with bedroom and bathroom on the first floor
• 6 social rental apartments at De Hooywech, with shared living room

Due to its proximity to Natura 2000 area, construction will be done in phases. The first completions are expected by the end of 2025.

Support from municipality and state

The city council gave the green light at the end of 2023. Making the land ready for building will cost about €400,000, half of which has now been covered by a contribution from the State's Housing Impulse Scheme. The foundation is allowed to set its own land prices, but the social housing will remain subject to maximum prices. Through a form of cross-subsidization, with more expensive plots partly financing the cheaper ones, the foundation is trying to keep the project financially balanced.

Living for and by the village

What makes this project special is the way it came about. Not a standard project "from above," but an initiative of residents, carried by local involvement, cooperation and perseverance.