After a period without a permanent location in the city center, the Experience Store is returning to the center of Den Helder. The store, formerly situated on the corner of Spoorstraat, is moving to a new location in the Warenhuys, the former V&D building. The aim is to create a central reception area there for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs.
The Municipality of Den Helder, Stichting Ondernemen aan Zee, Helder Vastgoed, and Stichting Citymarketing Den Helder have signed a letter of intent for this purpose. The new location will be named Experience Store 2.0 – The Front Door of Den Helder. The opening is scheduled for the spring of 2027.
A place to get to know Den Helder
The Experience Store will be more than just a place to pick up brochures. It will be a place where people get to know Den Helder better, whether they live, work, do business here, or are visiting. Soon, visitors will be able to go there for tourist information, inspiration, hospitality, social interaction, and an experience of the city.
This gives the Story of Den Helder a recognizable place in the city center. That story shows what makes the city special: the sea, the harbor, nature and recreation, art, culture and heritage, education and talent development, entrepreneurship, and the people who are building the future of the city together.
Significance for the city center
The return of the Experience Store once again provides the city centre with a clear information and inspiration hub. For residents, it will be a place where what there is to do in Den Helder and where the city is heading becomes visible. For visitors, it will be a logical starting point to get to know Den Helder and the surrounding area better.
According to Alderman Sjoerd Oudijk, the envisioned Experience Store aligns with the tourism information mission of Citymarketing Den Helder. “A central information and inspiration point, such as the envisioned Experience Store 2.0, ensures that visitors, residents, and entrepreneurs feel welcome and are inspired to discover Den Helder and the surrounding area. This fits the tourism information mission of Citymarketing Den Helder, contributes to attracting visitors, and stimulates the local economy.”
Working together on a welcoming city
The development aligns with the ambitions being developed within Blue Port, the municipality, entrepreneurs, and social partners to further build a strong, recognizable, and future-proof position for Den Helder. The Experience Store thereby becomes a visible step in the broader Story of Den Helder.
Entrepreneurs are also contributing to the development. Arnold Verhoeks, chairman of the Ondernemen aan Zee Foundation, calls the Experience Store a calling card for the city. “Entrepreneurs are happy to invest in facilities that contribute to a strong and attractive city center. Experience Store 2.0 – The front door of Den Helder will become a place where economy, hospitality, and collaboration come together.”
Research into public toilets
In the new space, it is being investigated whether public toilets can be installed. This would allow the location to contribute to the hospitality, accessibility, and attractiveness of the city center. This has long been a wish for residents, visitors, and business owners.
Place with meaning
Den Helder Vastgoed is involved in the new location. Managing Director Stefan van Schaik emphasizes that a vibrant city center requires more than just bricks and mortar. “It is about places where people meet, are welcomed, and can be proud of their city.”
For Citymarketing Den Helder, the Experience Store will be the place where the story of the city comes to life. Managing Director Erik Bekkering: “Experience Store 2.0 will be the place where residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs are introduced to Den Helder for the first time. A place where what makes Den Helder special becomes visible.”
Opening in 2027
Over the coming months, the parties involved will work on the further development, layout, and programming of the location. The opening of Experience Store 2.0 is scheduled for the spring of 2027.
Until then, Citymarketing Den Helder continues to welcome residents and visitors from the Tourist information point at Willemsoord.
