Westerhaven: A Historic Harbor Turned Shopping Area
History of Westerhaven
The name "Westerhaven" refers to a former harbor in Groningen, which was established in 1882 after the city walls were removed. It was originally part of the city's canal system and played an important role in shipping goods like grain, potatoes, and sugar beets.
The Harbor's Decline
In the early 20th century, the Westerhaven faced challenges due to its narrow passageway, which limited shipping traffic. By the 1930s, the harbor was less frequented as new transport routes and canals were created. The harbor became obsolete by the 1960s, and in 1962, the area was filled in and repurposed for parking and other uses.
Transformation into a Shopping Area
After being largely unused for several decades, Westerhaven was redeveloped in the late 20th century into a bustling shopping district. It now features numerous shops and an underground parking garage. From 2004 to 2019, it was also home to the Dutch Comic Museum which nowadays is located in the cultural hub of StoryWorld of Forum Groningen.
Westerhaven Today
Today, Westerhaven is a vibrant commercial hub in Groningen, offering a variety of shops like Mediamarkt, HEMA, Basic Gym, Kruidvat, Mac Store and a convenient location for locals and visitors alike.
Photo: Hardscarf - Own Work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75603882
