Operation of the De Basis Social and Cultural Centre

Summary

This is a subsidy competition, not a standard public procurement: the Municipality of Soest is seeking a new operator for the De Basis social and cultural centre in Soesterberg. The operator will run the centre as an accessible community meeting place and activity venue, manage its day-to-day operations and room use, coordinate volunteers, operate the residents’ information point, and cooperate with the centre’s main users and local organisations. The subsidy period starts on 1 January 2027 and runs for five years, with an option to extend it by a further four years. The maximum subsidy for 2027 is €304,000; the applicable amount will be set separately for each subsequent year. Applicants must provide a reference proving at least six months’ operation of a facility of at least 214 m² for social and cultural activities, a tax-compliance statement, evidence of the required liability insurance, a balanced 2027 budget and an operating plan. The plan will be assessed on developing the centre as a meeting place, staffing and volunteers, cooperation, and management and operating capacity. Required annual performance includes at least 45% occupancy, at least 60 community activities per week and at least five actively involved partners. Applications must be submitted by email in Dutch no later than 1 November 2026.