Demolition crews have begun pulling down 222 residential units along Sinjeur Semeynstraat and Schaapherderstraat in the Bos en Lommer neighborhood. Housing association Rochdale postponed the work multiple times after residents struggled to find suitable replacement housing nearby.
The delay was largely caused by a group of elderly tenants who wanted to remain in the surrounding Kolenkit district. Many had lived there for decades, including one resident who had resided on Sinjeur Semeynstraat since the original construction was completed in the 1950s.
Tensions over local rehousing
Finding available apartments in the Kolenkit proved difficult due to low turnover in the local social housing stock.
Residents expressed frustration over uncertainty regarding whether they would be allowed to move into the future buildings, leading local district politicians to intervene in negotiations.
The last remaining residents finally moved out in April after district officials stepped in to mediate between the tenants and the housing corporation.
Rebuilding plans through 2029
Political party SP raised questions with the municipal executive regarding how the relocation process was handled.
Housing alderman Zita Pels defended the outcome, stating that the rehousing was carried out appropriately and carefully without needing to grant extended priority status for future openings.
Rochdale plans to construct 384 new homes on the cleared site. The modern complex will include 55 mid-market rental properties alongside 48 owner-occupied apartments.
Former residents of the demolished blocks will receive priority registration when the new homes become available. The entire redevelopment project is scheduled for completion in December 2029.
