Feasibility study Poppodium Boerderij
Poppodium Boerderij is an important pop venue for Zoetermeer, but it also attracts regional, national and international visitors. To maintain Boerderij's good position, expansion and further professionalization are needed. The capacity of the venue (maximum 750 visitors) is too small and the current building is not suitable for new developments.
In 2024, the municipality in consultation with Boerderij prepared a business plan. The plan focuses on Boerderij's desired expansion to a large auditorium for up to 1,300 visitors of which 250 seats. In addition, a small hall for 400 visitors and a Podium Café for 200 visitors. Coffeeshop Casa will also move to the new building.
Visitor growth is estimated at about 50,000 now to over 130,000 a year when the new building is completed. The program will be expanded to include "indoor festivals," major and "upcoming" Dutch artists, education activities and talent development together with education and music schools in the city. For talent development, it is also important that the practice rooms that are now in the Boerderij building be returned when the new building is built.
City Council decision Feb. 17, 2025
Monday, Feb. 17, the City Council made a positive decision on the college's proposal to provide funds to study the feasibility of the plans for Poppodium Boerderij.
Continuing with 2 new construction variants
The municipality is conducting a feasibility study for 2 different new building variants. In consultation with Poppodium Boerderij, a program of requirements is drawn up which the new building must meet. The urban design principles are established and various investigations are started such as ecological and soil investigations. Parking research is also an important topic in the feasibility study.
The council is scheduled to decide on a preferred variant this summer. Immediately after that, participation with local residents will begin. A design will then be made for this variant.