The City of Kerkrade is working on future-proof sports and community facilities

From new changing rooms and sports facilities to better facilities for clubs and a potential community center in Haanrade. The municipality of Kerkrade is working in various locations to improve facilities and make them future-proof. A number of projects have already been further developed. Others are still in the research or design phase.

The city council previously approved a package of measures for sports, cultural, and community facilities. The city is working with clubs and other relevant organizations to further develop the plans.

“Sports clubs are of great value. They bring people together, encourage an active and healthy lifestyle, and play an important social role in our neighborhoods. That is why we believe it is important for clubs to have access to quality facilities that meet their needs. With these projects, we are giving Kerkraade’s club life the space it needs to continue developing in the future,”says Nicolle Heijltjes, Sports Alderman .

Alderman Alexander Geers of Vastgoed adds:“Good amenities are essential for the quality of life in the neighborhood. By investing in our properties, we strengthen social cohesion and create neighborhoods where people feel at home.”

New Facilities for Sports Clubs

VV Chevremont is working on plans for new locker and shower facilities. The club has now selected an architect who will further develop the preliminary design. In addition, a pilot project is being set up in collaboration with the municipality and the Parkstad Limburg Urban Region to investigate which energy supply is most suitable for sports clubs, both now and in the future.

FC Kerkrade West has also prepared a preliminary design for the expansion of its facilities. This will be further developed into a final design, after which the costs will be assessed.

Both projects are expected to be implemented in 2028. This is due, in part, to the necessary preparations and the application deadline for the BOSA grant.

Renovation of Sporting HAC and Expansion of TCK'54

For Sporting HAC, the bidding process for the renovation of the locker rooms has now been completed. Following a second bidding process, three parties submitted bids. The contract can be awarded to the lowest bidder. The first opportunity to carry out the work is during the Christmas period and winter break.

TCK'54 is working on expanding its tennis courts and constructing four pickleball courts. An environmental permit has been requested. Construction is scheduled for 2027.

More space at 't Sjevemethoes and the Berenbos

Space is being made at the 't Sjevemethoes community center for Harmonie Philomena and CMK1912. This will require an expansion. Discussions are still underway with the current users, GIPS and Impuls, regarding the final layout. Construction is tentatively scheduled for the second half of 2027.

The building in the Berenbos is also being expanded. This is necessary to accommodate Scouting Gregor Brokamp, the GOC Parkstad Foundation, and the Nikanshite Judo Club in the future. Agreement has now been reached on the general outline of the expansion. Construction is expected to begin no earlier than late 2027.

Study on Community Facilities in Haanrade

The municipality is exploring options for a broad-based community facility in Haanrade. This initiative stems from the expectation that the number of restaurants, bars, and small venues in the neighborhood will continue to decline. Discussions and a survey have shown that residents who have lived in Haanrade for a long time, in particular, feel the need for a place to gather.

One option is to expand the existing building at the Sporting HAC sports complex.  

In addition, as part of the acquisition of Hagenrode, the municipality is working with HEEMwonen, MeanderGroep Zuid-Limburg, and Brix Real Estate to explore an alternative in which the vacant church building and the former Hagenrode community center on Meuserstraat might be repurposed.

The various options are being examined and compared. A proposal will then be submitted to the city council. A final decision has not yet been made.

The VIE Sports Hall Is Becoming More Multifunctional

An additional partition wall will be installed in the VIE sports hall. This will allow sports clubs and physical education programs to use the sports hall more efficiently. The municipality has commissioned the work. At the request of the operator, Optisport, the work will be carried out at the start of the 2027 summer vacation to minimize disruption to users.

New Plans for Sports and Culture

The municipality is also working on a lifestyle policy that brings together sports, culture, and health. To this end, discussions are being held with clubs, community organizations, and other stakeholders. The goal is to present the policy to the city council before the summer of 2027. After that, work will begin on a facilities policy.

Developments at Kaalheide Sports Park

Now that the BRUIS Foundation’s plans for a residential and care facility at Sportpark Kaalheide have been scrapped, the municipality is exploring new options for the Achilles-Top track and field club. The preferred option is an independent clubhouse at the current location.

Roda JC is still considering a new building on the short side of the artificial turf field, on Parkstraat, near the end of Field 4.

Expansion of the Balans Gymnastics Hall Under Review

The Balans Kerkrade Gymnastics Club now has 468 members. As a result, the current gymnastics hall in Rolduckerveld has become too small. The changing rooms, storage space, and indoor climate also need improvement.

An expansion at the current location seems to be the most obvious solution. The municipality is having the options and costs further investigated.  

Outstanding loans written off

Finally, the city council approved the forgiveness of outstanding loans owed by RKTSV Terwinselen, LHC, KVC Oranje, FC Kerkrade-West, TCK '54, and Judoclub Arashi Nulland. This will give the clubs more financial flexibility to invest in their organizations or sports facilities.  

Working Together to Provide Quality Services

Through these projects, the municipality of Kerkrade aims to provide high-quality, future-proof facilities for sports, culture, and community gatherings. The implementation of several of these projects still requires some preparation time. The municipality remains in dialogue with the relevant associations and organizations regarding these matters.