Ambitious plans for French Monastery: development gains momentum

After years of delay, there is finally movement in the future of the French Monastery (Frans Klooster), part of the former hospital complex at the Maasland Park in Sittard.

The municipal executive (mayor and aldermen) has approved the outline programme for both the new construction and the repurposing of this municipal monument. This clears the way for a large-scale area development that should deliver both new housing and care facilities, while also enabling the preservation of the listed building.

The developer recently presented a feasibility study in which an urban development plan has been worked out. This plan forms the basis for further elaboration and for reaching a development agreement between the municipality and the owner. Although the visuals presented are not yet a draft or preliminary design, the municipal executive believes they provide sufficient guidance to move forward.

The plan includes 64 residential care units and 106 to 110 apartments across various price ranges. This not only provides additional housing but also makes it possible to preserve the historic monastery building. The monument itself will house 6 to 10 homes, while the adjacent chapel will be given a community function, serving as a meeting place for the neighbourhood.

The new construction programme includes approximately 35 owner-occupied apartments, 29 social rental homes, and 36 mid-range rental apartments. Parking will be partly facilitated underground and partly at a lowered ground level.

Developer Mulleners carried out the feasibility study together with Grouwels Daelmans. They will handle the further development. The feasibility study serves as the initial discussion document for the participation process with local residents.

The municipal executive emphasizes that the urban planning direction is now clear and that the plan appears financially viable. However, several steps still need to be taken before a final agreement is reached. The coming period will be used to further develop the plan and actively involve the neighbourhood.

Alderman Leon Geilen expressed satisfaction that the development has finally become concrete after a long time:

“This is a feasible plan that allows us to add housing and give the municipal monument a suitable new purpose. An important step for this special location. Moreover, we can finally go public to start the participation process, so that local residents can be involved in the further elaboration and design.”

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