haarlemsdagbladMay 23, 2026, 06:59

It’s barbecue weather and they’re noticing it at Rookplankje in Heemskerk: course waiting lists and phones ringing off the hook

The barbecue shop Rookplankje in Heemskerk is experiencing a surge in demand for high-quality Kamado grills and outdoor cooking courses as sunny weather arrives. Owner Gert-Jan van den Brink reports a significant increase in showroom visits and a growing waiting list for their training sessions. The business highlights a trend where customers are increasingly prioritizing quality in their outdoor cooking equipment.

Business Lifestyle Netherlands

Read original ↗

Historic Haarlem heritage Conrad Wharf from 1897 to make way for new construction

The Haarlem municipality has decided to proceed with a housing development that requires the demolition of historical remains of the 1897 Conradwerf shipyard, which were recently rediscovered hidden inside a 1970s office building. While the site is recognized for its significant industrial heritage value, officials opted to relocate specific architectural elements rather than preserve the structure in place to meet the urgent demand for new homes. Heritage advocates have criticized this choice, arguing that the relocation plan effectively destroys the historical integrity of the city's industrial past.

Amphibians breeding well in Amsterdam's tap water source

Forest ranger Jeroen Engelhart highlights the thriving wildlife, including amphibians and nesting birds, within the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen near Zandvoort. The area's clean water supports a healthy ecosystem where various species maintain a natural balance during the busy spring breeding season.

Include meningococcal vaccine in vaccination program, pediatricians say

Dutch pediatricians are advocating for the meningococcal B vaccine to be included in the national vaccination program for infants following recent outbreaks in the United Kingdom. Currently, the Netherlands does not routinely vaccinate babies against this specific strain, unlike practices in the UK. The medical community is pushing for this change to better protect children from the potentially severe bacterial infection.

Province gives green light for new electricity station near A9 South

The province of North Holland has approved the preferred location for a new electricity station near the A9-South highway. This decision allows the network operator TenneT to proceed with detailed planning and development for the facility.

Sixteen years after demolition, construction finally begins on the former Sonneborn factory site

Construction has officially begun on the former Sonneborn factory site in Haarlem-Noord, sixteen years after the original buildings were demolished. The project includes the development of 160 new homes and a partially underground parking garage following significant delays.