Board proposes preferred alternative for new Poppodium Boerderij building
The board of mayor and aldermen is proposing to the City Council that the new construction of Poppodium Boerderij should opt for a design in which both venues are built on the first floor. This preferred alternative is in line with the wishes of Poppodium Boerderij itself.
Important step forward
The Boerderij is an icon in Zoetermeer and attracts visitors from all over the region. The current building is owned by the municipality and leased to the Boerderij. However, the structure is too small and no longer meets today's requirements. Therefore, a study of different variants for the new building has been carried out in recent months. Based on this, the college is now proposing a preference to the city council.
Room for growth and talent
The new building will house a large auditorium (1,300 visitors), a small auditorium (400 visitors), a stage café and six practice rooms. The coffee shop Casa, currently already located in the Boerderij, will also be relocated in the new building. This expansion will allow the Boerderij to grow from approximately 50,000 to over 113,000 visitors per year. This will give the city a music venue that offers room for more concerts, talent development and education.
Flat variant
The college proposes the so-called flat variant. This variant offers a logistical improvement for the pop venue compared to the current situation. Also, unlike with a stacked alternative, there is no need for heavy elevators that cost a lot of money in construction and maintenance. The Boerderij's management also prefers this variant. The investment cost for this variant is estimated at 30 to 35 million euros.
Alderman Blansjaar (Culture): "Poppodium Boerderij is an important cultural venue for music, talent development and experience. With this proposal we are taking an important step towards a new a pop venue that is ready for the future and that keeps Zoetermeer attractive for residents and visitors from the region."
Follow-up
Further elaboration will focus on parking and future developments around Voorweg Centrum. Neighbors will be informed by letter and will continue to be involved down the road. The City Council will discuss the proposal in November 2025. If approved, the preferred direction will be further developed into a preliminary design. According to current planning, the feasibility phase can be completed in 2027, after which construction can begin.
