Renting a Home in Suikerzijde and Stadshavens, Groningen

Groningen is building two complete city districts from the ground up. The Suikerzijde on the former sugar factory site, north of the city center. Stadshavens along the Eems Canal, on the east side. Together, they will account for over 8,000 homes in the coming fifteen years. These are not suburban developments on the city's outskirts, but inner-city densification within walking distance of the Grote Markt. Those considering renting a home in Suikerzijde and Stadshavens are looking at neighborhoods that don't exist yet but will soon be among the best-connected in Groningen.

De Suikerzijde: Sugar factory becomes city district

For decades, the site on Energieweg was the domain of Suiker Unie. Silos, factory buildings, railway connections. That era is over. A new district of 5,000 homes is rising on the site. The municipality recently decided to add 500 more homes to that number.

The construction started in October 2025. The first sub-area, Bernard Rölinghof, will deliver 101 owner-occupied homes in the first quarter of 2027. Simultaneously, housing organizations are building about 300 rental and mid-range rental homes. Sub-blocks D2, D3, and C5 will follow in 2026 and 2027.

De Suikerzijde will not be a district of only owner-occupied homes. The plan provides for a mix of rental and owner-occupied, from rooms and studios to family homes. For tenants, this means: new-build apartments and upper floors within walking distance of the center, in a district built from scratch.

Stadshavens: Industrial port becomes residential area

Stadshavens is the first sub-area of the Eemskanaalzone, the outdated industrial park along the Eems Canal on the eastern edge of the city center. A maximum of 3,300 new homes, plus 33,000 square meters of commercial and social space. A 'Havenpark' (Harbor Park) as a green space.

Demolition work started in the autumn of 2024. The first sheet piles are in place. The first homes are expected in 2026. Historical elements will be preserved: the EMG silo and the Cova chimney will be integrated into the new streetscape. It will feature high-density urban architecture, gas-free and climate-resilient.

The Eemskanaalzone is larger than just Stadshavens. Four sub-areas run from west to east along the canal. Stadshavens is the first and most advanced. The other sub-areas will follow later and will eventually add even more homes.

Infrastructure from day one

The government is investing heavily in the accessibility of both districts. The money is intended for accessibility, water management, and solving grid congestion. The infrastructure must be in place as soon as the first residents receive their keys.

This is no detail. New districts without good access become dormitory towns. Groningen is investing in connections beforehand, so that Suikerzijde and Stadshavens function as part of the city from day one, not as isolated building plots on the outskirts.

What is already there and what is to come

Currently, Suikerzijde is a construction site. So is Stadshavens. There are no homes available for rent yet. The first completions will be in 2026 (Stadshavens) and early 2027 (Suikerzijde). That is the reality.

But the plans are concrete. Building permits have been issued. Owner-occupied homes are for sale. Rental apartments will be offered as completion approaches. Those looking now can set up notifications and be among the first to respond when properties become available.

The locations are strong. Suikerzijde is less than two kilometers from the Grote Markt. Stadshavens even closer. By bike, you can reach the city center in five to ten minutes. On foot, in fifteen minutes. These are not suburbs. These are parts of the city that will soon be added.

For tenants: patience and timing

Suikerzijde and Stadshavens are districts for the near future. Those looking for a rental home now will find nothing here yet. Those looking in a year will find Groningen's first new-build apartments in prime locations here.

Rental prices in new-build properties are higher than in existing neighborhoods. That's true everywhere. But the homes are better insulated, more energy-efficient, and more modern than what you'd find in Korrewegwijk or Paddepoel. Heating costs are lower, and living comfort is higher.

Rental homes and apartments in the free sector will become available as completion approaches. Set up notifications now. Respond quickly when the first properties appear. Interest in renting a home in Suikerzijde and Stadshavens is high, and the first tenants will have the most choice.