Unique collaborative project "Kaalheide Bruist" boost for sports park and neighborhood

In fact, the city council will soon decide on three possible scenarios for the area. The draft council proposal asks the council at the next meeting to agree with the college's recommendation to choose scenario three. This scenario includes new construction at the sports park by several investors. It involves a total of 130 care homes for vital elderly people with or without (intensive) care needs, young people with mental disabilities and for people with dementia. In addition, Roda JC and its offices will also move to the new building and only rent the Parkstad Limburg Stadium on match days. This will allow a wider use of the stadium.
Together with Achilles-Top, Stichting BRUIS and the municipality, they want to develop a sports, residential and care environment where all users are connected. Alderman Tim Weijers (Spatial Planning, Real Estate & Housing): "There is a unique opportunity here to build care housing, renovate the entire area and accommodate Roda JC's offices where training takes place. 'Kaalheide Bruist' stimulates social interaction and contributes to the revitalization of the neighborhood. The area will have an open character with lots of greenery in a park-like setting. Furthermore, Foundation BRUIS will have vitality facilities and a catering facility."
Chairman of Foundation BRUIS Vivian Lataster: "Together with all parties and neighborhood residents, we want to develop a unique, safe and green environment where we can live, work, play sports and experience. Where everyone matters with all his/her unique talents, even if they are not (no longer) obvious."

Alderman Jo Paas (Finance & WMO) adds: "There is no investment required from the municipality under the proposed scenario. That is, of course, a big advantage."

General manager of Roda JC, Jordens Peters, is pleased that the time has finally come: "We have worked on this for a long time. With this plan we are going back to our roots, the place where everything started for this club. More importantly, our entire organization is coming back together. Kaalheide Bruist will become the home not only of the first team and the soccer academy, but also of the office organization. Through the new plan, we are creating top sports facilities that contribute to Roda JC's sporting ambitions. In addition, according to the general manager, the plans fit seamlessly with the philosophy of "Healthy in My Region." "With the above plans, we can even better 'be of value to the region every day', explicitly seeking the connection with Vie and other partners to promote the health of the region. All this makes it a sustainable solution for the club, the municipality and the people of Kerkrade."  

Chairman Arno Deckers of Achilles-Top is equally enthusiastic: "Together with the partners, we are going to create an environment in which responsible and safe exercise is integrated into everyday life. At Kaalheide, caring for each other and healthy functioning with each other will be revitalized. Vulnerable residents will be given a meaningful place in the community."

After the council makes a final decision on July 12, the partners will start working on a first design. Neighbors will then again have the opportunity to give their opinions during residents' evenings: "We find it extremely important that the neighborhood supports this initiative and sees its added value. The concrete plans will therefore be coordinated as much as possible with local residents," the aldermen said.
Alderman Jo Schlangen (Sports & Culture): "In recent months, all athletics facilities on Kaalheide have already been completely renovated; from the cinder track and classic numbers such as the shot put to the drainage and lighting, everything has been tackled. In the process, we are safeguarding the cultural value of the former stadium. However, the buildings at the municipal sports park are in a very outdated state and the grounds also require a thorough renovation, so the municipality is very enthusiastic about this beautiful plan."