By Zoé Revercez

At the heart of the city of Groningen is emerging a huge project. For four years now, hundreds of people are working to renovate the East Side of the Grote Markt.
Supported by the Dutch Government, the "vernieuwt" project is not only focused on the city of Groningen, but on the whole region.

In order to provide people information about the transformations that will occur in the following years, an information center has been settle on Grote Markt. In a shape of a boat, the new building could not be unnoticed.
For two weeks now, the center, daily open, has been welcoming every inquiring people.

Kim Meijer, the coordinator of the information center, is very pleased of the center's success "On the opening day, two weeks ago, around two thousand people visited us! Every day, people are coming by, and most of them are really happy to share their opinions about the project"
The whole project consists in three different urban developments: the main one is the building of the Forum. Designed by a Dutch architect, the brand new building will take place on the East side of the Grote Mark, behind new and renovated buildings.

Groningen, between modernism and tradition, but always in favor of culture

Meant to be the heart of the city, the center will be a place dedicated to culture: with a library, a cinema, a debate center and even more; the center is willing to offer a place in which everyone is welcome.

With a very modern design, the new Forum is meant to instill new dimension to the city of Groningen. "Most of the people visiting the information center are really happy with the project; they are really pleased that the city is leading this project! Of course some people are very critical about the design of the new cultural center… but this is ok, we do not have to all agree on esthetical details!" as explains Kim Meijer.

The second urban project is the renovation of the East side of the Grote Markt. The exiting building are meant to be taken down and replaced by new buildings. The rebuilding will be done in a very traditional way: the design of the buildings respects the Dutch old stones' spirit.

Already started, those two buildings project are expected to be done by 2017. This gigantic project does create more than a cultural offer and architectural feat… Kim Meijer declares "The new forum will create a lot of job opportunities, but not only for Dutch people! The city of Groningen will need International people to work for the new Forum!"

"The "Groningen vernieuwt project" will be beneficial to everyone,
Dutch and non Dutch are going to experience a new Groningen!"
 
The third project is about transportation, and it concerns the whole region of Groningen. By 2016, two tram lines should be operational in the center of the city of Groningen. Both leaving from the central station, the tram lines are meant to relieve the bus traffic. One line will lead to Zernike, in the Nord West of the city; and the other to Kardinge, in the Nord East of the city.
In the mean time, tram lines are going to be built all around the city of Groningen in order to improve the transportation within the Province, from cities surrounding Groningen to Groningen.

Massive project, the "Groningen vernieuwt" is leading to a kind of revival for the city, which is always willing to improve its dynamism. One of the most positive benefits for the international community is that, with this project, job opportunities are going to be created, both in the Forum and in the shops that will surround the new Grote Markt.

International students, if you want to be part of the Groningen's Cultural Revolution, this is your chance! By 2017, it could be that it is going to be easier to find a job in Groningen… Spread the word to your little sisters and brothers!