The northern side of the Grote Markt in Groningen was destroyed during the Second World War. When it was rebuilt in the 1950s, large buildings were erected that reflected the optimism of the time. Vroom & Dreesmann opened a large, modern five-storey department store. Over the years, the V&D complex grew into a collection of buildings, with the Rodeweeshuisstraat serving mainly as a supply route.

The bankruptcy of the department store chain marked the end of an era, but the disappearance of big department stores from old city centres is not an isolated development. It is indicative of a shift in our city centres: cars and department stores are giving way to experience and quality, with attractive pedestrian areas and specialist shops.

Where the city centre used to end at the north side, the area will soon form a new link between various routes in the city. De Zwarte Hond is currently working on two redevelopment projects and one new building: the Groot Handelshuis (MWPO), The Warehouse and Mercado (both MWPO & Beauvast). At the same time, the municipality is renewing the paving in the city centre and creating more space for cyclists and pedestrians. Taken together, the various projects are revitalizing the public realm.