Beetsterzwaag Redevelopment De Trime

The article below about developments surrounding De Trime is from the June 2026 issue of GrootSa!

Redevelopment of the De Trime Site: Working Together to Shape the Future of Beetsterzwaag

BEETSTERZWAAG - The municipality is working on plans to redevelop the former De Trime elementary school in Beetsterzwaag. The municipality plans to build homes on this site and possibly also a family practice. The school building has not been used as a school since 2019. The municipality wants to implement new plans here that will create a pleasant living environment in the village.

Open Call for Proposals

The new plans will not be developed on a one-on-one basis with a single party. Due to the so-called Didam ruling, the municipality must give all interested parties equal opportunities. For this reason, an earlier plan for a new development of the site was not approved. Therefore, a public call for proposals will be launched this year. This means that developers can submit their plans for this site based on a number of preconditions. The municipality will then select the plan that scores highest in terms of quality, integration into the surrounding area, quality of life, and traffic safety. Local residents will also have a say in the evaluation of the plans.

Housing Development with a Clear Purpose

With this redevelopment, the municipality aims to achieve more than just the construction of new homes. The submitted plans are intended to improve mobility in the housing market, support older adults in living independently for longer, and reduce the strain on healthcare facilities. They are also intended to contribute to a strong, socially cohesive neighborhood. In addition, the feasibility of establishing a family practice at this location is being explored.

Key issues identified in the neighborhood

Immediate neighbors were invited to share their input. During a well-attended meeting on May 19, about 25 to 30 residents shared their ideas and concerns. A number of clear points emerged from the discussion. Residents feel it is important that:

• traffic and parking issues are properly and safely resolved
• The new construction fits in with the village character of Beetsterzwaag
• as much green space as possible is preserved
• nature and animals are taken into account
• attention is paid to proper water management on and around the site

Residents also indicated that there is a need for suitable housing, such as housing for seniors. In addition, they believe it is important that the entire village remains well-informed. The municipality will take these points into account, where possible, as it continues to develop the plans.

Immediate neighbors remain involved

The involvement doesn't stop there. In the next phase, the municipality will explore ways to continue involving local residents in the evaluation of the plans and the final selection of a contractor.

Planning

If everything goes according to plan, the municipality will complete the market consultation in 2026. In early 2027, the municipality will select a plan and a developer. This will be followed by the detailed design and the permitting process. Construction is expected to begin around 2029. The site of De Trime will then be given a new purpose that fits in with the village.

https://www.grootsa.nl/gemeentenieuws/gemeentenieuws/133841/herontwikkeling-locatie-de-trime-samen-werken-aan-toekomst-voor-beetsterzwaag

Introduction

On May 19, 2026, an informational meeting was held for residents living immediately adjacent to De Trime. Below is the report from that evening.

About 25 to 30 residents attended the informational meeting. The venue, De Trime, is a former school building in Beetsterzwaag. The municipality plans to develop housing here. They are also exploring the possibility of including a general practitioner’s office (this is a separate process). The project is still in its early stages. That is why the municipality used this evening to explain how the process works and to gather ideas and points of concern.

What happens next?

The municipality will issue an open call for proposals to developers (market consultation) this year. Developers can submit plans for the site.
The municipality will then select the plan that best meets the following criteria:

• the surrounding area
• the quality of the plan
• Traffic, Green Spaces, and Quality of Life

Immediate neighbors are asked to contribute their input during the review of the plans. It is not yet known how this will be done. You will hear more about this.
What happens to residents’ input? Where possible, residents’ comments will be taken into account when drafting the parameters for the plans.

What comments did the residents make this evening? 

During the evening, residents raised the following points:

Traffic and Parking

• Pay close attention to where the entrances and exits are located
• Health Sufficient and Safe Parking Spaces

Construction and Appearance

• The construction must fit in with the village
• Opportunities for sustainable construction (such as wood construction)

Water

• The grounds are wet in some places (there’s a well under the school building)
• Health Proper Drainage
• Look at the ditch behind De Trime

Green Spaces and Nature

• Preserve trees and green spaces as much as possible
• Taking Animals (Ecology) in the Area into Account
   

Other points to consider:

• Can a resident buy a piece of land that borders his or her yard?
• How is the desire to build housing for seniors being addressed? (Can't we adopt the De Koningshof plan?)
• Construction at this site is a hot topic throughout the village. How can everyone in the village be kept informed?

Finally, what is the municipality doing now?

The municipality:

• Develops a plan for the market survey
• Takes residents' input into account whenever possible
• Provides useful information (for example, via a project page or information in GrootSa!)
• Will continue to engage with immediate neighbors
• Examine how local residents can be directly involved in the review of the plans

Schedule (subject to change)

• 2026: Start of the market request for proposals
• 2027: Choice of developer
• Next: further development and permits
• Forecast: Construction to begin around 2029