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Introduction
In the coming years, the Ministry of Defence will be renovating its accommodation for personnel. A modern, comfortable, and sustainable building will be constructed on the Buitenveld site in Den Helder, where Royal Netherlands Navy personnel can stay and spend the night. This will free up space at the Marinehaven for other activities.
In addition, the Ministry of Defence is consulting with the municipality to explore which other usage options can be realised. The entire Willemsoord area is being taken into account. With the development of Buitenveld, we are connecting the city, sea, and port, and bringing living, working, and meeting together. This will improve the quality of life, the economy, and social connections.
Also read this article about Buitenveld in ‘Alle Hens’ (All Hands), the Royal Netherlands Navy’s digital monthly magazine.
Insight into what it yields
By housing defence personnel at Buitenveld, greater use can be made of the facilities that Den Helder offers its residents, such as catering establishments, entertainment venues, and shops. This will further strengthen the bond between the Ministry of Defence, residents, and local entrepreneurs, and increase economic activity.
- Necessary space will be freed up at the naval base.
- Connecting the city, sea, and port.
- Living, working, and meeting come together.
- Improving the quality of life, the economy, and social connections.
Project Leader of Buitenveld
A new accommodation for defence personnel will be built at Buitenveld. The redevelopment of Buitenveld should lead to growth of the naval base and serve as a stimulus for maritime urban development and economic port development.
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Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions that we regularly receive.
Buitenveld is a part of Willemsoord in Den Helder. In the coming years, the Ministry of Defence will develop a new, modern, and sustainable accommodation complex at Buitenveld. It will be a place with approximately 1,200 accommodation rooms, office space, and supporting facilities for the Royal Navy personnel. The project is part of the broader maritime and urban development of Den Helder.
The renovation is necessary to better accommodate the Ministry of Defence personnel and to create space on the naval base itself.
The preparation phase runs from 2023 up to and including 2027. If everything goes according to plan, construction will start around 2028 and Buitenveld will be completed between 2029 and 2030. The implementation of the housing is planned for the years 2028 to 2030. Maintenance work on the existing quays and the Waddenzee building may start earlier.
The Waddenzee building will be preserved due to its historical value for Den Helder. Major maintenance will be carried out on the building in the coming
years to be able to use it again as an office.
Buitenveld ensures a connection between the naval base and the city. With approximately 1200 Ministry of Defence employees
who will live and work in the area, it will contribute to the quality of life and is expected to
have a positive effect on the economic developments in and around Willemsoord. In addition, Buitenveld makes a valuable contribution to the general urban development by filling a vacant site with respect for the historical appearance of Willemsoord.
The redevelopment of the Buitenveld defence location is currently (autumn 2025) in the preparation phase. This phase includes determining which permit procedures with associated deadlines must be followed. In addition, preparatory investigations and activities will have to be carried out on the location.
More information can be found in this article.
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