‘Thanks to Embera, I can focus on our educational vision for the new building.’
In Dongen, work is underway on the new De Biezenkring children’s centre. Embera manages the project on behalf of the municipality and the users: De Biezenkring primary school and De Toverdoom childcare. Jasmijn van Beek, head of De Biezenkring, talks about working with Embera.
From summer 2027, the De Biezenkring children’s centre will offer space to around 280 pupils. Although the municipality of Dongen is the client, the future users are closely involved in shaping the new building. Jasmijn: “Every four weeks we meet with the project group to discuss progress and wishes. For us, it’s important that the building is accessible to every child and fits our educational vision. Working together – and teaching our children to do so – is one of our pillars. The multifunctional hall and kitchen at the heart of the new building make that possible.”
The link between municipality and users
Embera bridges the gap between the municipality and the users and handles the full project management. Among other things, Embera took care of reassessing the Program of Requirements and translating it into the design, developing a vision for the surroundings, the permit application and selecting the contractors.
Although the municipality is the developer, we stand up just as firmly for the users’ interests. After all, everyone shares the same goal: the best building at the best price. Embera’s project managers also ensure a good balance between cost control and quality of use. By keeping that shared goal clearly in everyone’s mind, real collaboration emerges. That’s how Embera gets the most out of the project – in budget and schedule as well as in process and building quality.
"Embera's project managers are sharp on content and really listen to our wishes and questions."
Jasmijn van Beek
Director
From wishes to practical feasibility
The children’s centre will become a full part of the neighbourhood. The greenery around it will be strengthened and the schoolyard will offer extra play space for local children. Jasmijn: “I mainly look at the new building from an educational perspective, Embera from a construction point of view. They translate our wishes into what’s practically feasible. What works really well is their people-oriented approach. Embera’s project managers are sharp on content and listen carefully to our wishes and questions. They don’t hit the brakes too quickly, but always explore every option before giving well-founded advice. That helps me make decisions.”
Embera also supports communication with Jasmijn’s team and the neighbourhood. “At information evenings, for example, Embera takes care of the presentations. Thanks to that support, I can fully focus on translating our educational vision into the new building.”
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Mathijs van Gelsdorp
