The history of the Damsterplein

The Damsterplein in Groningen is a striking square on the edge of the city center. Once, this area mainly served as a functional traffic and parking space, but over the years it has undergone several transformations. The square lies on the historic route between the city and the Damsterdiep, an important canal that used to connect Groningen with Delfzijl and the sea.

 

A green future for the Damsterplein

In the coming years, the Damsterplein will undergo another major transformation. The Municipality of Groningen has received a grant of one million euros from the European Commission to make the square greener and more climate-friendly. This contribution comes from the European LIFE fund, which supports sustainable initiatives in the fields of nature, climate, and the environment.

 

Thanks to this grant, the greening plan — for which an application was submitted in 2020 — can now actually be carried out. The goal is to turn the Damsterplein into a place where residents and visitors can relax and cool off — both literally and figuratively. With more trees, green spaces, and water features, the square will become the ‘coolest’ square in Groningen.

The construction work will start soon, and the opening of the renewed Damsterplein is planned for 2025 or 2026. In this way, this part of Groningen will once again get a new purpose, where history and future come together in a sustainable, green urban space.

Source and photos: https://ruimtevoorjou.groningen.nl/jouw-damsterplein