The Integral Child Center (ICC) in Seghwaert

The Seghwaert neighborhood will get a new Integral Child Center (IKC) that will replace De Touwladder and De Hofvijver. This new building will replace the current, outdated school buildings. De Touwladder was built in 1982 and was actually intended to be temporary, while De Hofvijver has been in use since 1977. The new school will accommodate about 400 students.

The municipality of Zoetermeer has chosen to build the new school on Velddreef, at the current location of De Touwladder. The new building will have 17 classrooms, a new gymnasium and child care with a sustainable playground accessible to all. This project is a collaboration with education group Unicoz.

It is not yet known what will happen to the site of De Hofvijver elementary school on Trout Ditch.

We would like to inform you about the plans for the elementary school De Hofvijver and De Touwladder in your neighborhood. In a large joint school we can organize education well and thus strengthen the connection in the neighborhood.

City Council Resolution

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the city council approved the resolution for IKC Seghwaert. With this decision, the city council has allocated over 14 million euros for the construction of a dual-stream school, childcare facility, and gymnasium on Velddreef in Seghwaert. This is a significant milestone, and the bidding process for an architect and contractor has now begun.

Next step: Request for Proposals

The scope of work has been finalized. We are now beginning the bidding process for the design and construction.

Vision Zoetermeer 2040

The new Integrated Children’s Center in Seghwaert brings the Zoetermeer 2040 vision to life: a safe and inspiring place where children learn and play. With modern classrooms, a gym, childcare facilities, and a sustainable playground accessible to everyone, the building supports education and sports in the neighborhood. Want to learn more about the Zoetermeer 2040 Vision? Read more: Zoetermeer Municipality Environmental Vision | Local Laws and Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of questions and answers about the new building for IKC Seghwaert.

General

Where will the new school be located?

The new school will be built on Velddreef, approximately where De Touwladder elementary school now stands.

Location Velddreef

Why was Velddreef chosen as the location for the new IKC?

The Velddreef site was chosen because of its central location in the neighborhood, spacious lot and the opportunity to strengthen the neighborhood socially. This site offers a pleasant school environment. In addition to the school, there will be space for child care and a new gymnasium. The site can be prepared for building quickly and already has an educational use.

What does the new building mean for the traffic situation?

Traffic safety around the school is important. We are working on a plan to organize the pick-up and drop-off of children safely, with special attention to bicycle and walking routes. We are going to see if adjustments need to be made to make the location easily accessible from all parts of Seghwaert. We will get back to you on this at a later date.

How does new construction affect the appearance of the neighborhood?

The new building offers an opportunity to improve the neighborhood. The new building will be modern and the public space around the school will also be refurbished. The wishes of the neighborhood will be collected and taken into account whenever possible.

Will construction cause inconvenience?

The demolition of the current building and construction of the new school will cause inconvenience, but we will make every effort to keep it to a minimum. The start of this work is scheduled for the end of 2027.

What will happen to current sports facilities?

The current, outdated gymnasium will be demolished and replaced with a new gymnasium in the new school building (IKC). Details of this are still being worked out.

How will local residents be involved in the process?

We are going to organize information meetings to keep you, as local residents, well informed and where possible to hear your ideas and wishes. We think it is important to think together with you about the future of the neighborhood. During these meetings you will have the opportunity to share your opinion, and we will make sure that you are kept informed about the progress of the project.

Where will the children of The Rope Ladder go to school during demolition and construction?

The last grade 8 of The Rope Ladder will be housed in Court Pond in the 2025-2026 school year. No more children will be accepted.

Location Trout Ditch

Why wasn't Trout Ditch chosen as a location?

The Trout Ditch location was an option, but the lot is quite small compared to Velddreef and is closer to homes. Moreover, by choosing Velddreef as the location, there is a good distribution of schools in the district.

What will happen to Forelsloot if the school moves to Velddreef?

The site at Trout Ditch will become available for new development. This is being investigated further. The sports hall is not part of these plans and will remain.

Will an educational function remain at Trout Ditch?

The municipality has indicated that it will not establish a new regular elementary school on the Forelsloot for the next seven years after realization of the new IKC. The educational destination will remain on the Forelsloot for the time being. We do not yet know what will happen to the property.

How will the neighborhood be involved in future developments?

As soon as more is known about the plans, we will organize an information and participation meeting to involve you as a neighborhood.

Room for art, too

The development of IKC Seghwaert also includes space for art. The municipality of Zoetermeer is applying the Percentage Scheme for Visual Arts in Public Spaces (www.zoetermeer.nl/kunst). This scheme makes it possible to incorporate art into public spaces and public buildings as part of construction and development projects. By incorporating art early in the development process, it can become an integral part of the design of the new environment. This results in a work of art that is not added to the public space after the fact, but is part of the new space from the very beginning and fits well with the surroundings and the people who use it.

Residents Contribute Ideas About Art

Zoetermeer believes it is important for residents to have a say in the artwork created in the city. That is why a temporary “Art” project group is formed for each art commission. For the development of IKC Seghwaert, this project group will be formed at a later date. When the time comes, local residents and users of the area can sign up to participate. The project group will contribute ideas regarding the location and scope of the art commission and will then oversee the process in collaboration with a professional consultant and project manager. The group will select artists to create preliminary sketches and will ultimately choose which design will be implemented.

In this way, the future artwork will find a place that fits both the new surroundings and the people who live, work, and spend time there.

Existing art will be preserved

In addition to the new art, the existing art in the area will also be preserved as much as possible. If necessary, a work of art will be relocated.

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