A world-class station requires a world-class environment: an area that accommodates passengers and their need for transport before and after the train journey, as well as urban functions for residents, employees, leisure visitors and students. Redevelopment and densification of station areas will help to promote the use of public transport as a logical choice, thereby relieving pressure on other infrastructure.
In Utrecht, the ‘Cartesiusdriehoek phases 2-6’ zoning plan was submitted for public inspection last summer. This city district near Utrecht CS is being developed into a future-oriented, inclusive urban community featuring 2,800 homes and space for nature and leisure activities, offering every opportunity for residents to live long, happy and healthy lives. We have also made agreements with the municipality of Utrecht about Tweede Daalsedijk, a road on the other side of the tracks. An agreement has been signed with the municipality of Den Bosch, land owners PostNL and NS Stations, and property developer SDK with a view to the development of EKP site Noord in the Spoorzone district of Den Bosch. The site will be transformed into a lively and creative district combining residential, work and educational functions, including an art academy and more than 800 homes.
The urban development plan for the Spoorzone district (Hanzeland side) in Zwolle is now ready for implementation.
In 2020, a study was launched into the further development of the Alkmaar station area, which will also include housing construction. NS Stations and the municipality of Alkmaar signed a declaration of intent for this project.
Building over the tracks
The technique of building over the railway tracks offers an opportunity to alleviate the shortage of urban space while also creating accessible residential areas near the railway stations. In partnership with the municipality of The Hague and ProRail, we launched a study into possibilities for building over the tracks in the Den Haag CS station area. The objective of the municipality is to improve the connection between the two parts of the city on both sides of the tracks. In addition, we are exploring the feasibility of similar projects in the station areas around Utrecht CS and Amsterdam Sloterdijk, in collaboration with local authorities and ProRail.