Church Transforms into Modern Supermarket: Hoogvliet's Creative Repurposing in The Hague
Den Haag, dinsdag, 10 juni 2025.
Hoogvliet is set to realise a unique repurposing project by converting the Theresia Church from 1931 into a modern supermarket. The ambitious plan includes a 1,050 m² retail space with a complete product range, including a warm bakery and fresh produce section. Traffic studies have shown that the transformation will cause minimal disruption to the neighbourhood. The historical architecture will be partially preserved: stained-glass windows will be made sustainable, and the original vaulted ceiling will remain visible. A car park will be built beneath the church, and the former rectory will be replaced by a new building with apartments. Although the permit procedure is still ongoing, Hoogvliet hopes to open the supermarket in 2025.
Repurposing of Church Building
The Theresia Church, originally built in 1931 in the Rustenburg-Oostbroek district, had been vacant for years and was even at one point close to demolition. However, The Hague municipal council decided to preserve the historic building, leading to an innovative repurposing plan in collaboration with property developer Kavel [1].
Detailed Transformation Plan
The church transformation plan includes a 1,050 square metre supermarket with a complete product range, including a warm bakery and extensive fresh produce section. Notably, historical elements will be carefully preserved: the characteristic stained-glass windows will be made sustainable with secondary glazing, while the original vaulted ceiling will remain visible [1].
Infrastructure Modifications
A car park will be constructed beneath the church, with an integrated loading and unloading area. The current rectory will make way for the car park entrance, with a new building featuring apartments on the top two floors to be constructed in the same location [1].
Traffic Study and Progress
Recent traffic studies have demonstrated that the future supermarket will cause only limited disruption to the neighbourhood. Nevertheless, the permit application is still in progress, described as a complex process. The municipality is currently working on an adjusted plan, with the procedure expected to take an additional two to three months [1].
Future Expectations
Hoogvliet hopes to open the supermarket sometime in 2025, although the exact date of renovation and opening has not yet been definitively established [1].