The information meeting about the Werkspoorhal took place at the end of September.
Many residents are wondering what has happened since then.

Below is an overview of the information and the current situation.

Looking Back: Information Meeting

On 30 September 2025, Stichting Over de Brug organised an information meeting in the Buurtkamer on Oostenburg.

The aim was to inform residents about the new use of the Werkspoorhal and to provide space for questions and concerns.

During the meeting, it was announced that the owner, Nedstede, has rented the hall to gym chain BigGym.
The municipality granted the permit for these plans on 4 September 2025.

What Are the Plans?

Owner Claudio Santini explained the plans during the meeting.

• The hall will contain an open steel sports structure with three levels.

• On both sides, a corridor of about 4 metres wide will remain.

• The entrance will be on Oostenburgermiddenstraat.

• The large glass doors and rear doors will largely remain closed.

• The ground floor will include space for sports classes and a catering facility of approximately 130 m².

• The catering will focus on healthy food. A operator has not yet been selected.

Accessibility and Use

During opening hours, a strip of approximately 4 metres around the structure will remain publicly accessible.
The hall will be open to the public during opening hours.

Once the catering facility is in place, access through the hall to the waterside will be possible.

Important for the Neighbourhood

• The hall will remain available for neighbourhood activities for at least 7 years.

• This will be organised in consultation with residents and BigGym.

• A Werkspoorhal Neighbourhood Group will be formed for this purpose.

Concerns from Residents

During the meeting, residents raised concerns about possible nuisance, including:

• Lighting and visual impact

• Noise from music and sports activities

• Visitor flows and bicycle parking

• Disturbance for adjacent buildings

BigGym stated that it will take these concerns into account:

• No bright lighting and calm music.

• Limiting noise levels, including during activities under the canopy.

• Bicycle racks in front of the hall, with sufficient clearance.

• Residents will be informed in advance about the renovation.

• Wishes of immediate neighbours will be considered.

Current Status

• Renovation and fitting-out of the side spaces are expected to start mid-December.

• Construction of the frame in the central area will start on 3 January:

  • 3 weeks of piling

  • 3 weeks of construction

  • followed by finishing and fitting-out

• The planned opening date is 26 March.

Next Steps

Over de Brug asked the municipality to take steps to ensure that the Werkspoorhal remains publicly accessible after the 7-year period.

The municipality responded that it is not a party in this matter.
Stadgenoot stated that it has agreed with the current owner that the hall must remain publicly accessible for 7 years and that there will be a passage through the hall.

Public accessibility beyond this period is not further guaranteed.

Do you have questions or would you like to help think about how the Werkspoorhal can be used for neighbourhood activities?
Let us know.