Process around fee note for Ferris wheel goes smoothly

A case doesn't have to be big to make an impression. Legal guidance in the procedure surrounding a fee note, we often do that. In this case it is mainly the building object itself that appeals to the imagination: the Ferris wheel on De Pier in Scheveningen. The procedure went like clockwork. Perry Oerlemans of Skyview and Willem Gaymans of Kondor Wessels Vastgoed (a Royal VolkerWessels company) tell you how the wheel came to be.

Skyview is a company that operates Ferris wheels worldwide and far exceeds the image of 'fairground attraction'. Air conditioning, high tea, dinner and a panoramic view ... that idea. Always looking for special locations for his Ferris wheels, owner Perry Oerlemans had his eye on De Pier in Scheveningen for quite some time. He says: "When it was announced that Kondor Wessels Vastgoed was the new owner of The Pier, I immediately e-mailed them. With congratulations and a proposal to have a talk."

8 meters above the sea

That worked out well, says Willem Gaymans, director of Kondor Wessels Vastgoed. "Before we received Perry's mail, we had already put a Ferris wheel on our wish list. After all, that's the way to fully enjoy the unique view of sea, beach and the skyline of The Hague." Both men quickly agree: a Ferris wheel - eight meters above the sea - will increase the iconic value of De Pier. They set to work.

Procedure in good harmony

That's when the phone rings at Poelmann van den Broek. Willem Gaymans explains why he engages Rudi Minkhorst (attorney in service area environment and government) to guide the proceedings surrounding the fee note. "A Ferris wheel is something different from a building. On top of that, this Ferris wheel was not built new on site. The question then is exactly which construction activities require a permit. For both the municipality and us, this was not a standard procedure. It is then nice to be sure that your argumentation is legally watertight. Rudi's expertise certainly contributed to the procedure proceeding in good harmony. Something we find very important."

26 shipping containers

Immediately after the permit is finalized, Skyview begins construction. The Ferris wheel, which had previously served in Australia, arrived in as many as 26 sea containers. Perry Oerlemans: "Normally, such a Ferris wheel is erected in two weeks. But this location offered a bit more of a challenge, to say the least. Because of the tides, we could not build from the beach. Everything had to be done from a boat, plus the wind and high waves... The plus point is that we have proven that we can do it. Previously I had to travel the world to visit customers, now they come to us because they want to see this with their own eyes."

Important seaside resort

The permit was issued for five years. And that coming time looks favorable for The Pier. Business is booming and The Pier is once again being mentioned as a 'must-see' in travel guides. It won't be long before De Pier will once again feature on lists of "most photographed location. The Pier is also receiving positive attention in the media. Tijd voor MAX, for example, broadcast from Scheveningen with, in its own words, 'a view of sand, sea, sun and, if possible, the famous Pier'. Willem Gaymans: "The Hague wants Scheveningen to become an important seaside resort in Northwest Europe. We are happy to cooperate. We are giving De Pier a new chance."

See more about ways to reduce high dues bills here and 3 reasons why it pays to object to expensive dues ordinances read here.