Category Heroes 2025: Bas Sievers (Woonpartners)
Bas Sievers, the visionary director of Woonpartners, received the prestigious Inspiration Award in the Heroes category. As the spiritual father of Woonst2.0, he demonstrates that innovation in the housing association sector is indeed possible – provided there is courage, connection, and trust.
Sievers has succeeded in bringing municipalities, housing associations, and builders together in one of the most successful construction projects in the Netherlands. By developing and purchasing jointly, he is accelerating the construction of affordable, sustainable housing. His leadership stands for calmness in complexity and innovation with impact.
Other nominees in this category were Margriet Drijver and Ferdinand Grapperhaus.
Project Award 2025: Molenterrein De Otter – Amsterdam
This year's Project Award 2025 went to Guido Mensink, initiator and owner of Molenterrein De Otter in Amsterdam. This project impressively demonstrates how historical heritage can form the foundation for sustainable, innovative area development.
The restoration of De Otter sawmill (1631) and its associated wood drying sheds is a textbook example of craftsmanship, circular construction, and collaboration. Where decay once reigned, a vibrant urban icon now flourishes, offering space for crafts, sustainability, and social interaction.
Other nominated projects were the Mandemaat government office in Assen and De Herr environmental park in Rotterdam.
Young Talent Award 2025: Huub van Manen (Kroonenberg)
The Young Talent Award 2025 was also presented. Huub van Manen of Kroonenberg was honored as a promising young talent in Dutch real estate. He was praised for his strategic insight, ability to connect people, and fresh vision on urban development.
You can read more about this at Vastgoedmarkt.nl.
The combined presentation of the Inspiration Awards and Young Talent Awards proved to be a great success. The evening showed that the future of real estate is in good hands – with room for both experience and young talent.
