Renovation for cultural center De Warenar gets green light
Cultural center De Warenar gets a new life. After years of intensive use, the building in the heart of Wassenaar is in need of a thorough refurbishment. On September 22, the City Council agreed to the proposal of the Municipal Executive to invest in the redevelopment, maintenance, renovation and sustainability of the Warenar. The study conducted showed that it is feasible to combine various functions in the Warenar, such as a cultural house with a community center function and a village museum, while maintaining the theater function.
Alderman Culture, Ronald Zoutendijk: "De Warenar is much more than a building; it is the beating heart of our village. A socio-cultural meeting place of Wassenaarers and Wassenaar associations, where there is almost always something to do. It is a house where everyone feels at home, because everyone finds a place in it. Entirely in the spirit of the former Jeroen House, which was the predecessor of the Warenar. With this renovation, we are giving it the strength to be a place of culture and meeting for all Wassenaarders for generations to come."
A future-proof place for everyone
For decades, De Warenar has been a central meeting place in the village, where young and old come together for theater, culture and community activities. The plans focus on making the building more sustainable as well as improving its functions as a community center and theater. The result should be a modern, multifunctional center that the entire Wassenaar community can identify with.
Manager of the Warenar, Michel Sirre: "I always say, we do everything from birth to death and everything in between! We cater your baby shower, you perform in the theater with the grade 8 musical, celebrate your birthday parties, if you get married your wedding party. Later we'll take care of your business conference, you'll come and enjoy pub quizzes with friends and at the end we may even take care of the condolence of your death. A lifetime you come to the Warenar!"
Follow-up steps
In the coming period, the municipality will work out the plan in more detail. In doing so, it will remain in close consultation with Stichting Beheer Warenar, which manages the building on behalf of the municipality, and other stakeholders. The future of both the cultural programming and the social and possible museum function of the building will be examined. Residents and users are also involved in the plans at various times. With this renovation, De Warenar gets a new coat, without losing its familiar character. Ready for the future and especially: for the people of Wassenaar.
