Shopping center gets new identity

A radical facelift and modernization had to transform the low and rather dark shopping center 'In den Vijfhoek' in Oldenzaal into a vibrant and atmospheric shopping center with plenty of light. Moreover, this revitalization had to ensure a better flow for the walking and shopping public, in order to achieve a good connection with the historic city center. Commissioned by Unibail-Rodamco, WBO Wonen and the municipality, SUM Architects drew the design, while Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo BV got the project executed in a construction team. Construction work started in January 2020 and delivery followed in May 2021. The renovated shopping center was officially opened in early October.

'In den Vijfhoek' has always been a special place in the heart of Oldenzaal, even when in the 1970s a shopping and residential complex, very modern for its time, was built there. In recent years, however, this building has mostly shown signs of aging and a lot of problems are occurring. "We were given the task of revitalizing this shopping center and ensuring a good connection with the surroundings. The interior of the stores remained unchanged, but the corridors and central areas were given a thorough overhaul. The facades of the stores were also renewed and a new library with a patio was added. The central plaza including the reading and living space for that library was to become the hub for circulation within the shopping center," says Merlin Weusthof, project manager at Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo BV. "In December 2019, a clear schedule for the project was presented and in January 2020 we started the demolition and construction work. The entrance on the Vestingstraat side was already completed in the summer of last year, and in May 2021 we completed the rest of the project. After carrying out some maintenance work, which was not originally included in the contract, the shopping center could be officially opened at the beginning of October last."

Lots of light and coziness

Main contractor Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo BV worked for 15 months to raise the entrances and passages resulting in more light, the realization of vistas to the historic buildings in the neighborhood, the renewal of the store facades and the integration of green accents. "By raising the entrances, not only do we allow much more daylight to come in, we also offer visitors and staff a nice view of the historic church tower, for example. To raise these entrances, however, four houses had to be demolished. Furthermore, part of the roof in the central area was raised to provide more light in the rooms. In the passages, we replaced the existing facades with new aluminum systems. There were also new floors and higher ceilings. Furthermore, installations were renewed," explains the project manager. "In several places, the architect deliberately chose wood to give the shopping center a warm and attractive appearance. For example, wooden block steps were used and the sides of the ramps were also provided with wood. Finally, green accents were integrated here and there."

Recurring weave pattern

Characteristic of the design is the recurring weaving pattern in facade and glazing, which is inspired by Oldenzaal's industrial past and refers to the textile industry of yesteryear. "An element that further strengthens the identity of this shopping center," concludes Weusthof. "Perhaps the biggest challenge was the fact that the stores remained open during the renovation process, so the construction partners always had to take into account the accessibility of the shopping center and the safety of the public and their own employees."  

Construction Info

Client
Unibail-Rodamco, WBO Wonen and the municipality of Oldenzaal

Architect
SUM Architects, Hilversum

Main contractor
Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo BV