Amsterdam boasts a new landmark. On Monday 12 December the opening of an architecturally daring apartment complex took place in the garden city styled neighbourhood of Buitenveldert. It has been carefully embedded into the urban environment and is known as: Q Residences. This complex, which covers an area of 27,600 m2 and includes 248 rental apartments, consists of a plaza and two residential buildings, namely the medium-high Qube building and the high-rise and flamboyant Quartz building. Of the 248 homes 99 have been constructed for the mid-segment. For this project on the corner of the Buitenveldertselaan and the Van Nijenrodeweg, developer Kroonenberg Groep joined forces with the American star architect Jeanne Gang. As Lesley Bamberger, CEO of Kroonenberg Groep, explains, “Quartz has such an iconic image that you cannot walk past without gazing at it. Whenever I do that it brings a smile to my face and makes me feel proud. Together we have added something unique to the city of Amsterdam which is having an impact on the area as a whole.” The Amsterdam-based firm Rijnboutt was responsible for the urban embedding and acted as co-architect. In the opinion of Rijnboutt’s own Frederik Vermeesch, “Q Residences is a wonderful example of high-quality densification in Buitenveldert, based on the principles of the General Expansion Plan (AUP). It is high quality in terms of its urban design, its architectural design and its materials and details.” NEOO was responsible for managing the development from master plan right through to realisation. Contractor J.P. van Eesteren was responsible for the construction.

Unveiling of the Studio Job sculpture

On the attractive green plaza, which was designed by Piet Oudolf, Reinier van Dantzig, councillor for House Building and Urban Development, unveiled the Studio Job creation – which is a life-size sculpture featuring the Q logo – together with Jeanne Gang and Lesley Bamberger. Reinier Van Dantzig was standing in as deputy mayor for mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema who was unable to attend at the last minute. Halsema regretted not being able to unveil the sculpture herself and stressed the significance of Q Residences for the city. “Amsterdam is proud of this new gem in the city. We would like to thank all those concerned for once again giving the city a push in the right direction.” The unveiling ceremony was preceded by an informative presentation in the lobby of the Quartz building, which was presided over by Humberto Tan. Architect Jeanne Gang adds, “The design of Q Residences creates a connection between the residents themselves and the greenery that defines the Buitenveldert neighbourhood. On the ground floor the Qube and Quartz buildings form a new, spacious public area which brings people together around art and landscape. The façade of the Quartz building has a larger surface area and the fact that the balconies are staggered means that neighbours can have visible contact with each other. Residents have to feel good, both in their homes and in their surroundings.”

Those present also included Piet Boon, Frederik Molenschot, Petra Blaisse and Job Smeets, the artists who played such an important role in the embellishment of this iconic complex. Job Smeets, from Studio Job, explains more about the sculpture. “The sculpture of a woman’s hand holding the illuminated letter Q was cast in bronze and is five metres high. The work of art, which is called ‘Hers’, represents the creativity of the female architect. It is a statement to passers-by about women who are not only linked to this building, but also to important positions in the modern world.”

Sustainability Sustainability served a dual purpose during the construction of Q Residences. In the first place the project had to comply, of course, with Amsterdam’s ambitious sustainability programme. A second purpose was to continue building on the garden city concept that Cornelis van Eesteren had in mind in his General Expansion Plan [Algemeen Uitbreidingsplan] for Buitenveldert in 1935. Consequently, the buildings are grouped around a green plaza which is also open to the public. Solar panels have been installed on the roofs to provide electricity to the charging stations for electric cars. Both residential towers have been carefully insulated and both have integrated heating and cooling systems.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached an agreement with No Label for a long-term lease at Hoogstraat 14 in The Hague. The lease involves a retail space of around 235 m² distributed over the ground and first floors. The lease commenced on 15 October and the store is going to open after a short period of fitting-out work.

The new store is going to be the sixth physical store of the Amsterdam-based brand which represents higher quality ‘smart essentials’ at competitive prices. No Label was established in October 2013 and started out as a company predominantly concentrating on private label. These days No Label focuses on functional clothing for men in the form of basics such as chinos, sweaters or sneakers. No Label also has stores in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Roosendaal.

Kroonenberg Groep received leasing advice in this instance from Insight Real Estate and KroesePaternotte.

At Apollolaan 171, Kroonenberg Groep is developing a state-of-the-art office building. J.P. van Eesteren started the construction work in the autumn of 2021 and today the building reached its highest point. That moment was celebrated with the installation of the final lift cover plate during a ceremony attended by the architect, contractor and developer.

Apollolaan 171 is situated at a wonderful corner location close to luxury hotels, homes and high-end offices. The design is transparent and responds to its environment, which is defined by Berlage’s historical architecture from the early 20th century. The side of the building facing Apollolaan is characterized by interlocking glass volumes. The transparency that this creates visually draws the greenery of the environment into the interior. The main entrance to the office building is on the corner.

As Lesley Bamberger, CEO of Kroonenberg Groep explains, “It’s very special to see how quickly the new building’s contours became apparent here. We look forward to seeing a beautiful, finished building here soon.”

Marco Peppel, director of J.P. van Eesteren, adds, “This project is an example of fantastic and high-quality architecture. As builders we naturally want the finished building to be just as beautiful as what it looked like on paper. That’s what the team is working so hard to achieve. When you reach the highest point, it’s nice to reflect with everyone involved on what we have managed to achieve together.”

The development of Apollolaan 171 will eventually consist of 6,600 m² of office space for rental purposes, with parking in the basement for cars, scooters and bicycles. The building is scheduled to be completed in mid 2023.

During a specially organised ceremony Lesley Bamberger (CEO Kroonenberg Groep) Danny Louwers (municipality of Almere) and Jeroen Everaert (Mothership) unveiled the work of art entitled City on the Water [Stad op waterspiegel]. The work is intended to be an experience for shoppers, the residents of the surrounding homes and people passing by from the station. The work of art tells Almere’s story and is part of the Sea-Green Promenade [Zeegroene Loper] created by Mothership.

Green is rightly the theme in many towns and cities. Green has a multitude of meanings, for example healthy, sustainable, clean energy, young, not to mention trees and plants. It is an image that any town or city would like to portray and green is therefore not unique. However, Almere does have a unique history because it was built on the seabed. There are few towns or cities that can make that claim. Almere’s interpretation of this is the Sea-Green Promenade – an art route which extends from the station up to the Weerwater artificial lake. In collaboration with concept developer Mothership BV, which is known for, among other things, the Market Hall [Markthal] in Rotterdam, various art and cultural projects for the Sea Green Promenade have

been implemented in the centre of Almere.

During the redevelopment of ‘Metropool’, at the location of the old station offices, Kroonenberg Groep decided to add a work of art in line with the Sea-Green Promenade. A commission was formulated together with Mothership which also fulfils the wishes of the municipality of Almere and fits in with the image of the area around the station.

The wall for which the work of light art has been created, stands in a partially covered passageway which connects the bus station to Station Square. Shops are located opposite the wall, as is the entrance to the homes of the ‘Metropool’ development. Immediately next to the wall is the main entrance to the renovated station.

As Lesley Bamberger, CEO of Kroonenberg Groep, explains, “We often add art to our projects. Art adds something to the experience of visitors to an area. It inspires and sometimes also encourages them to embrace new ideas. We are very pleased with Iwan Smit’s work of art which uniquely portrays the key elements of the city of Almere. It is a work of art which you can keep looking at and in which you will continually discover new elements. That makes it particularly special.”

Iwan Smit’s work navigates between serious themes and lightheartedness and this often produces colourful worlds with a dark twist. His inspiration for City on the Water were the elements that define Almere, varying from its skyline, football, the Ally de Aap football mascot and, of course, the ever-present water and greenery.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached agreement with The Body Shop for a long-term lease agreement for a store located at Kalverstraat 84 in Amsterdam. The lease involves a retail space of around 145 m² distributed over the ground and first floors. Kroonenberg Groep recently carried out a thorough refurbishment of the premises and restored the façade to its former glory.

The Body Shop stands for ethically sourced and naturally-based ingredients from around the world, in no-nonsense packaging you can easily refill. The lease started on 1 June 2022 and the store will be opening its doors to the public very soon.

Kroonenberg Groep received leasing advice in this instance from Kroese Paternotte and B&O Retail.

Kroonenberg Groep and Pets Place have reached agreement on long-term leases in various shopping centres. At the Gansehof shopping centre in Coevorden the lease commenced this spring and concerns approximately 485 m² of retail space.

At the Hoogvliet shopping centre in Rotterdam the lease commenced on 1 April. It relates to a retail space at Binnenban 35-43 which measures approximately 565 m² and which is divided between the ground floor and basement.

The lease for the Hilvertshof shopping centre in Hilversum also commenced on 1 April. In Hilvertshof Pets Place is leasing approximately 920 m² of space in the basement where the Dirk supermarket is also located.

Lastly, a long-term lease has been agreed for a store at Gelderlandplein in Amsterdam which is commencing on 1 July. This store is located in the basement, with a spacious entrance on the ground floor. It covers an area of approximately 1,245 m² and is also going to include dog wash facilities where visitors can wash their dogs themselves. All necessities for washing will be available.

Pets Place is a retail chain which currently has around 200 pet stores throughout the country. Pets Place offers a complete range of pet food and a broad and up-to-date range of pet supplies. The retail chain’s focus is primarily on dogs, cats, rodents, birds, fish and outdoor living.

Once the leases have commenced all the stores will undergo fitting out work for a short period before opening their doors to the public.

Support with these transactions between Kroonenberg Groep and Pets Place was provided by Brickstone.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached agreement with Skins Cosmetics for a long-term lease at Gelderlandplein. Skins Cosmetics has moved into the retail premises located at Gelderlandplein 167, next to Holland & Barrett and Ici Paris XL. The leased property concerns approximately 120m² on the ground floor and 25m² on the mezzanine level. The lease commenced on 15 January 2022 and the store is going to open on 7 April. Skins Cosmetics opened its first store in the Netherlands in the year 2000. The company uses its salons to introduce unique brands from all over the world, which all have a unique story behind them, and that makes Skins Cosmetics the go-to store for exceptional beauty products and exquisite perfumes.

A long-term agreement has been concluded with Ramón Mossel Makelaardij for the premises located at AJ Ernststraat 551 – 559, which used to be home to a branch of ING bank. Ramón Mossel Makelaardij has been located in the Maasstraat since 2003 and is a well-known name on the Amsterdam residential property market. The leased property concerns approximately 284 m² of office space. The lease commenced on 5 January 2022 and the office is going to open in May.

Finally a lease has been concluded with Ton Overmars Slijterij for the premises located at Gelderlandplein 20 which, up to now, was home to Steppin Out.

Ton Overmars Slijterij opened its first store in the Hoofddorpplein neighbourhood in 1971. The store is famous for its extensive range of wines and spirits, including many different types of whisky and gin. Ton Overmars employs various wine experts and specialists in the field of spirits and beers to provide customers with high-quality and tailor-made advice. The lease commenced on 1 April 2022 and the retail space measures approximately 95 m². The store is going to open in a couple of weeks.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached agreement with XNRGY Club B.V. for a long-term lease agreement for the premises located at De Flinessestraat 8 – 10 and Van der Madeweg.

The leased space is an impressive industrial unit covering approximately 3,515 m².

The location was previously leased by Paardekooper Verpakking and Oriental Enterprise Tong Fong. At the end of 2020 Kroonenberg Groep decided to demolish the premises and construct an entirely new industrial unit which fully complies with today’s requirements. The growing demand for padel centres meant that agreement was quickly reached with XNRGY.

XNRGY offers enough space for 10 indoor padel courts.

The lease was concluded on 1 March 2022 and the padel courts opened to customers today.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached agreement with Sports Unlimited Retail Nederland BV on a long-term lease for a branch of Sprinter at Osdorpplein 128 in Amsterdam. The lease relates to 965 m² of retail space which used to be home to a branch of H&M. H&M has relocated to larger premises in Osdorpplein. The lease commenced on 1 January 2022. The store is going to open in April after a short period of fitting out work. This will be the first branch established by this formula in the Netherlands.

Sprinter is an international sports retailer which offers its customers clothing, shoes and sports articles by most leading sports brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Puma and North Face, in addition to a wide range of its own brand products for sports such as football, running and fitness.

Kroonenberg Groep received leasing advice from KroesePaternotte and the tenant was assisted by Jacobs van de Meij.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached agreement with various tenants regarding long-term leases in the Gansehof shopping centre in Coevorden.

HEMA already had an outlet in Gansehof but has relocated within the shopping centre to a retail space at a nice high-profile location on the Friesestraat. The leased space measures approximately 960 m². HEMA is also going to implement its latest hospitality concept in this fully renovated store. The lease commenced in mid-September and the store opened to shoppers at the end of 2021.

A lease has been concluded with Xenos for a store with approximately 555 m² of floor space. The lease commenced on 1 January 2022 and the store is going to open at the beginning of 2022 after a short period of fitting-out work. With around 150 shops throughout the Netherlands, Xenos has been one of the country’s most successful retail formats since 1973. Over the years, Xenos has grown into a chain of home goods, tableware and food shops that sell the best products and accessories at low prices.

Okay Fashion has concluded a long-term lease for approximately 225m² of retail space. The lease commenced on 1 January 2022 and the store is going to open this spring after a period of fitting-out work. Okay Fashion opened its first store more than 5 years ago. The chain now has 40 stores located primarily in the northern provinces of the Netherlands. At Okay Fashion, shoppers will find fashion brands such as Vila, Vero Moda, Only, Jacqueline de Yong, Jack & Jones and Only & Sons.

Lastly, a lengthy extension was agreed to the lease with gift store ‘Het Ambacht’, which is an existing tenant. ‘Het Ambacht’ is a charming gift store which sells a variety of home-made articles in addition to home accessories and fun gadgets. The home-made articles include artisan candles and greetings cards. Het Ambacht also organises daytime activities for people with a mental disability in collaboration with Cosis.

The Gansehof shopping centre leases are being arranged on the basis of collaboration between Kroonenberg Groep and Euverman Bedrijfsmakelaars, while the lease with Okay Fashion was the result of cooperation between Kroonenberg Groep and Uniek Makelaars.