Stop Bellevue: Retro eye-catcher in the heart of Den Helder

At the same time, the livability and urban structure will receive a significant boost. In addition to the construction of an apartment complex and several residential and commercial buildings, the project includes the realization of Halte Bellevue, the food station located on Spoorstraat that was completed last June. A striking building that revives the times of yesteryear in all its facets.    

Halter Bellevue fits in perfectly with the plan of the municipality, development company Zeestad, West 8 and Helder Vastgoed to give Den Helder's inner city a substantial facelift. Subplan 4 of the area development, the construction of a stately food station, is making a significant contribution to this. Remon Lutterman (project leader) and Sander Quartel (communications staff member) explain the construction of the building on behalf of Helder Vastgoed BV. It appears to be a nice follow-up to the redevelopment of the monumental School 7 into a new library. "Both projects fit perfectly with our vision to make the city center more attractive," Lutterman said. "To that end, we regularly develop new initiatives. In the case of Halte Bellevue, Helder Vastgoed bought the building-ready land from Zeestad when the environmental permit was irrevocable. Subsequently, we started construction in August 2019."

Double wink

The building realized by Aannemingsbedrijf A. Tuin BV breathes romance in every respect. Entirely in the atmosphere of days gone by, it is an excellent location to relax and buy fresh produce while enjoying a snack and a drink. The name of the shelter nods twofold to the past. Whereas the word "Halte" refers to the former train station, "Bellevue" recalls the hotel-restaurant that used to stand on the corner of Keizerstraat/Spoorstraat. In addition, for Attika Architects from Amsterdam, the former station building was one of the sources of inspiration for the stylish building. "Halte Bellevue looks like an old station building that houses five fresh food stores and restaurants on approximately 1,000 square meters," Lutterman continued. "The building has eight low and four high aisles. The latter are each equipped with an additional floor."

Tile Tableau

Rich detailing is characteristic of Halte Bellevue. For example, the aluminum window frames in the high bays feature elements similar to railroad tracks, and a retro-style station clock will be installed on the building in the first quarter of 2021. Another striking feature is the tile tableau created by Maatwerktegels on the front facade. The 2-by-5-meter creation is a scan of an old photograph of a sailor leaving Den Helder station. Through social media, Helder Vastgoed was able to track down the identity of the man in the print. "The tableau fits perfectly with naval city Den Helder," Quartel said. "The fact that we were able to attach a name to it gives this stylish element even more cachet."  

High quality partitions

De Mossel Projectafbouw from Noord-Scharwoude provided food station Halte Bellevue with the store and unit partitions. The work, commissioned by main contractor A. Tuin, a long-standing client of De Mossel, underlines the company's expertise and versatility.

In addition to suspended ceilings, De Mossel Projectafbouw provides diverse clients with solutions in metal-stud (walls and ceilings) and the extremely light plagyp ceilings. "The components used within Bellevue concern partition wall systems for the stores and units," says Klaas Friskus on behalf of De Mossel. "These are high-quality branded products that meet the applicable regulations in terms of fire resistance and noise in every respect."

Like most of the other construction partners, De Mossel comes from the Den Helder region. That connection made the construction of Halte Bellevue a special job, Friskus believes. "We are extremely proud of the final result of this image-defining project in the center of Den Helder."

Authentic Belgian bluestone

Harder Natuursteen from Hoogkarspel fitted the sills and plinths of Halte Bellevue with Belgian bluestone. The natural stone company measured, delivered and installed the components in the facades of the stately food station on Spoorstraat in Den Helder.

The finish of the Belgian bluestone used is honed 220. "This means that the surface is neatly finished and no more sanding scratches from machine processing can be seen," said director/owner Jando Harder. Harder only processes A-class natural stone. As a result, the products are free of "fire," a phenomenon that manifests itself in black carbon layers. Through sanding and polishing techniques, hardstone can be delivered light (220) and dark (500). "Since natural stone does lighten up again due to weathering, we usually recommend 220 for outdoor applications," he said.

The facade skirting boards were accurately measured on site to the millimeter. The data obtained was entered digitally, after which the products were manufactured with CNC-controlled machines. "Then our craftsmen applied the facade skirting boards. This produced a beautiful end result."