Facade Fund

In Wassenaar we are working together to create an attractive center. A stylish, authentic and personal center where it is pleasant to store and stay. It is about a total experience, in which the appearance of the buildings and the beauty of the heritage play an important role. Many buildings in the center are hidden gems. Often the (historic) quality of the facades can be improved with just a few adjustments. There are 10 Golden Rules for this. To give entrepreneurs and owners a helping hand, a Facade Fund has been established.

Do you also care about the center of Wassenaar and want to refurbish your facade?

Then follow the steps below.

  1. Is your property located in the area marked in red? Then the incentive scheme applies to you. 
  2. Be inspired by the 10 Golden Rules. Old photographs and historic Maps are also a source of inspiration. The municipality has an extensive archive.
  3. Consult the handbook Welstand en Beeldkwaliteit and the zoning plan. Here you will find the rules against which the municipality tests your building plan. Also go outside. Look not only at the building you want to improve, but also at its surroundings.
  4. Do you live in a landmark building or monument? Health then for sufficient knowledge in the field of cultural history. For example, contact the municipality's heritage advisors at erfgoed@wassenaar.nl. 
  5. Report your initiative to the Facade Team. The Facade Team will check whether an environmental permit is required and help you with your modifications. You will also receive a free energy scan.
  6. Get a sketch design. Will an architect who specializes in sophisticated brick architecture and cultural history make a sketch design for you? Then you will receive a maximum of €1,000. Ask the Facade Team about this.
  7. Does your modification not fit within the rules of the zoning plan? Then the municipality will weigh your plan (parking, environment, housing, etc.). If the assessment is positive, you can proceed with your plan.
  8. Fill out the "Incentive Scheme Facades Center" application form and wait until you receive a preliminary award to begin your work.

This is how the Facade Fund works

In order to strengthen the center, an incentive contribution is made available by the municipality of Wassenaar: the Facade Fund. Entrepreneurs and property owners can receive a contribution to improve the (historical) quality of the facade of their building. In addition, the municipality offers a free energy scan, so you can immediately discover how you can make your building more sustainable and also save energy costs. You can also contact the Facade Team for questions and advice about your facade. The Facade Team consists of a Case Manager from the municipality, the Welfare Advisor and the Financial Manager of the Incentive Grant.

How high is the contribution?

The contribution is based on actual costs incurred and is intended for façade modifications of properties in the center of Wassenaar. The contribution is

  • maximum €1000 (incl. VAT) for sketch design with specialized architect;
  • €1,500 per linear meter of visible facade;
  • up to 50% of the investment cost;
  • maximum of €9,000 (incl. VAT) per facade.

The total budget available is €100,000. Applications are processed in order of receipt until the budget is exhausted. If the applicant is an entrepreneur under the Turnover Tax Act 1968 for VAT-taxed services, the VAT that the entrepreneur can deduct does not form part of the claim.

When am I eligible for the incentive grant?

All properties located in the red colored area are eligible.

Look at the Handbook of Architectural Standards and Visual Quality, get inspiration from old photographs and historic Maps, and apply the 10 Golden Rules for your facade. An architect can help you sketch and work out your options. Will an architect who specializes in sophisticated brick architecture and cultural history create a sketch design for you? Then your sketch design worth up to €1,000 will be free of charge. You can claim this amount by sending the invoice to Gevelfonds@Wassenaar.nl. Request the current list of architects from the Facade Team.

How do I apply for an incentive grant?

To apply for an incentive grant, please use the form: Incentive Scheme Facades Center. 

Do I need to apply for a permit?

Modifying a facade often requires an environmental permit. We therefore recommend that you discuss your plans with the Facade Team as early as possible. Please note! There are fees (costs) associated with an environmental permit.

What else should I look out for?

To qualify for the incentive grant, you must meet the following Requirements :

  • You apply the 10 golden rules for the facade; 
  • You may not begin work until you have received a preliminary award from the municipality and the environmental permit has been granted; 
  • When you have finished doing the work, you must notify the municipality within 6 weeks; 
  • The work must be performed according to the drawings, technical description or specification drawing provided by you; 
  • You must start the work within six months and carry it out within one year of receiving the provisional award of the contribution.

Documents