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THE BUILDING

The new V&D is housed in the former department store Huls and is on one of the busiest shopping streets in the centre of Doetichem. As far as the architecture is concerned, an attempt has been made to remain in keeping with the historic layout and appearance of the Hamburgerstraat. The inconspicuous facade of the old department store – a mistake dating from the 1960s – has therefore been radically renovated. The back wall that borders onto a park – in the position of the original town rampart – has been dealt with and modernised less drastically. The La Place restaurant and terrace will also be situated here. The whole building has been stripped inside and been provided with new installations. The new finish (floors, walls, ceilings) and layput give the building – inside, too – a modern, austere appearance.