Soweto heeft veel geld nodig voor de aankoop en renovatie van het gebouw aan de Pieter Nieuwlandstraat (etc.) Daarom hebben we een campagne gestart om 200.000 euro aan obligaties en donaties te verzamelen. Zo’n hoeveelheid aan eigen kapitaal stelt ons in staat om, samen met een hypotheek van de bank, de aankoop te garanderen.

Dit is hoe iedereen kan helpen:

• Lid worden:

Leden dragen bij aan de aankoop van het gebouw en de ontwikkeling van de vereniging door een jaarlijkse contributie te betalen. Daarnaast is de betrokkenheid van leden essentieel voor Soweto. Alleen met de steun van onze leden kunnen we werken aan onze visie.

• Donaties:

Donaties zijn een speciale daad van solidariteit. We zijn alle donors zeer dankbaar!

• Hoe te doneren:

Soweto-leden kunnen de vereniging geld lenen voor de aankoop en renovatie van huizen. De rente wordt ieder jaar vastgesteld tijdens de jaarlijkse ledenvergadering. Op die manier kunnen onze leden ook financieel betrokken raken bij de projecten. Als je een lening wilt geven, neem dan contact met ons op.

Woningbouwvereniging Soweto

IBAN: NL06 TRIO 0786 6799 21
BIC: TRIONL2U
KvK-nummer 34278166

About others and us 🙂

“Rental and housing prices in Amsterdam are expected to drop and become affordable for everyone in the next coming years.”

Said no one, ever.

–>> click here to read the full article on amsterdamalternative.nl

Last Monday, our very first public meeting brought together 20 enthusiastic people with diverse skills and experiences —all dedicated to make a postcapitalist urban commune a reality! We started with some presentations on Soweto, NieuwLand and the new project; you can find the slides here and here. After a round of introductions we split in two groups to discuss the material (design & sustainability) and immaterial (process & community) aspects more in depth. Below are some points that stood out:

DESIGN / SUSTAINABILITY

• The envelope (general dimensions of the building) is subject to change to better accommodate sound isolation specifications.
• The first phase of the application is more about the process and financial model and less about the design.
• There is a cooperative in the neighbourhood to use the heat from the data center nearby, we will get in touch with them.
• We are dedicated to open-source our process and models to influence other projects.
• The building could mark the location with a strong identity, inspiring vision.

PROCESS / COMMUNITY

• We strive for an intentionally diverse community, with intergenerational, queer and racial representation, as well as abilities, origins and incomes.
• “I want this project to happen, even if I don’t get to live there myself.”
• Even if this specific application fails, we have the structure to keep working together, so we can carry this project elsewhere if necessary.
• How could we involve the already-existing community and NOT to be a gentrification force against our will?
• How much would we be comfortable with compromises, or alternatively, how much are we willing to try and bend the rules?

NEXT STEPS

• check out the Tumblr where you can post inspirations or questions!
• signup on Slack to get more actively involved in the process!
• spread the word about the next public meeting on 15 July 7pm!
• save the date: 11 or 12 August for BBQ at Archimedesplantsoen!

…and let’s keep dreaming and scheming! 🏗

After spending quite a few hours on research, talking about permits,
different ‘monumental categories’ and of course drinking coffee,
we have a bunch of solar panels on the roof of the Nieuwland.

The revenue that they will generate -solar panels are financially
speaking very lucrative in the long run- will be distributed among
the different users of the building.

Anyone interested in the process,
please ask around!

Friday, 21st November: At exactly 10:58h, on behalf of Soweto woningbouwvereniging, board members Carla and Clemens signed the contract that makes us the proud owner of our first building.

It was an exciting moment at our notary’s office, waiting for the bank’s notary to approve. After having signed all necessary papers, it only slowly emerged to us that we just purchased the Pieter Nieuwlandstraat 93-95.

The work is far from being over – however, thanks to a first installment from the bank together with all other support, we managed to acquire the building – a huge achievement!

Next steps are to continue working on more funding in order to rebuild the house. Parallel to that we are already preparing for the renovation work – updates about tools, plans and lots of volunteers will follow soon. And, there will be a party…tbc

Open Day Pieter Nieuwlandstraat
Saturday, 13 December, 2014 – 14:00 to 20:00

Come and visit the newly purchased building, Pieter Nieuwlandstraat 93-95.

14:00: tours and getting to know the space
15:00: Dolan Jones and friends
16:00: Magical History Tour
17:00: talks on Soweto and the public space
19:00: Beatzers

Monday, 8 December, 2014 – 10:00

Beginning of december the official rebuilding work started. All volunteers, future volunteers, and interested people are warmly welcome to be part of the ‘zelfwerkzamheid’.

Soweto needs a lot of money in order to purchase and rebuild the Pieter Nieuwlandstraat. That’s why we initiated a campaign to raise 200.000 Euros in bonds and donations.

That amount of own capital will enable us, together with a mortgage from the bank, to guarantee the purchase. This is how everybody could help:

• Become a member:

Members contribute to the purchase and development of the association by paying an annual membership fee. Next to that its members’ involvement is essential to Soweto. Only with support of our members can we work towards our vision.

• Donate:

Donations are a special act of solidarity. We are deeply grateful to all donors!

• How to donate:

Soweto members can lend the association money for the purchase and renovation of houses. The annual member meeting is fixing the interest per year. That way our members can also become financially involved in the projects. If you’d like to give a loan, please contact us.

Woningbouwvereniging Soweto

IBAN: NL06 TRIO 0786 6799 21
BIC: TRIONL2U
KvK-nummer 34278166