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 This new building will replace the current, outdated school buildings.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.

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 the 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 children of The Rope Ladder can continue to attend school as usual during the demolition and construction work. The temporary location will be as close as possible to the current location. As soon as more is known about this we will discuss this with you.

Location Trout Ditch

Why wasn't Trout Ditch chosen as a location?

The Trout Ditch location was an option, but the plot 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 Trout Ditch if the school moves to Field Drive?

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 there continue to be an educational function 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 the new IKC is completed. 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.