Compromise Plan for Cultural Hub — Large Pop Venue at Station, Oosterpoort to Be Renovated
After years of debate, the municipality has decided against building a new cultural centre, opting instead for a pop venue in the Spoorkwartier and a major renovation of the current Oosterpoort.
The municipality of Groningen has decided to build a new large pop venue in the Spoorkwartier and to renovate the current Oosterpoort, rather than construct an entirely new cultural complex. This decision comes after extensive research showed that building a new, all-in-one music center behind the Central Station would be too expensive, complex, and risky.
The new pop venue, temporarily named De Grote Popzaal, will accommodate 3,200 visitors and focus on hosting major pop concerts. Its location in the Spoorkwartier was chosen due to its proximity to the city center, Central Station, and other cultural hotspots, enhancing both accessibility and liveliness in the area. The venue is expected to give a strong boost to the area’s development.
Once De Grote Popzaal is completed, the current Oosterpoort building on Trompsingel will undergo a major renovation. This phased approach means the Oosterpoort can continue some of its programming while work is underway, utilizing the new pop venue as a temporary location for performances.
Previously, the municipal board explored several options, including a new music complex in the Spoorkwartier and relocating to the Suikerterrein. However, both alternatives were found unsuitable due to financial constraints and limited accessibility. The complete all-in-one plan would have cost up to €365 million, an amount deemed unjustifiable given the city’s current financial challenges.
Cultural alderman Kirsten de Wrede (PvdD) expressed relief about the decision: “The risks are now smaller and more manageable. This plan allows us to keep bringing big names to Groningen and support events like Eurosonic Noorderslag.” Spatial Planning alderman Rik van Niejenhuis (PvdA) called it "the best of both worlds," with a strong cultural boost for both pop and classical music.
The new approach has also received mixed reactions from city council factions. Hans Moerkerk (100% Groningen) welcomed the change, calling previous plans overly ambitious and expensive. Jalt de Haan (CDA) praised the financial realism and the focus on revitalizing the station area. Joren van Veen (PvdA) said the solution was a good second-best, though he had preferred to house everything under one roof.
However, not everyone is fully satisfied. Xandra Groenewold, chair of the Groninger Ondernemersfonds, criticised the decision not to prioritise the city’s economic growth. She believes a single cultural hub in the Spoorkwartier would have had a greater economic impact and urges the board to stay open to adjustments based on future findings.
The municipal council is expected to make a formal decision on the plan before the summer, with a more detailed proposal and financial planning to follow during the autumn budget debate in 2025.