Officers’ Casino
Transformation and restoration of the former Officers’ Casino in Soesterberg into assisted-living apartments with a restaurant and theatre. Together with the residential building Het Kwartier, the listed monument forms part of a new park ensemble for elderly residents and people requiring care.
Officers’ Casino
Client
Schavast & IQNN development
Address
Kampweg 51, Soesterberg
Programme
7,900 m²; assisted-living apartments and hospitality
Status
Planning permission granted; construction expected to start in 2028
Design
Hans Kollhoff & Alexander Pols
Site
The listed Officers’ Casino is set within parkland along Kampweg in Soesterberg, next to the residential building Het Kwartier, which is currently under construction.
The site lies along Kampweg, a green axis connecting the centre of Soesterberg with the former military airbase, now home to the National Military Museum.
History of the Officers’ Casino
Built in 1940, the Officers’ Casino consists of three buildings set within more than 2.5 hectares of parkland. Its history dates back to the beginning of the Second World War, when the German occupying forces built accommodation here for personnel working at Soesterberg airfield. After the war, the complex was restored and taken over by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, which used it as an officers’ club for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Until recently, the building provided accommodation and spaces for recreation and ceremonies.
The monumental entrance and driveway will be restored, making the building visible from the public road once again.
Programme
The listed monument will be restored and transformed into assisted-living apartments with hospitality and shared facilities. Two new residential buildings are planned behind and alongside the historic complex.
Courtyard Garden
A sheltered courtyard garden will be created to the rear, offering residents a place to relax, meet and garden.
Theatre
Part of the large theatre will be given a new use as a restaurant. The area around the existing stage will remain a theatre, providing space for performances that will also be open to local residents.
The transformation and restoration project was developed in close collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE). Planning permission was granted in 2022; the project is currently awaiting a suitable operator or care provider.
