‘One name, one team, with one shared vision’

What began as a partnership evolved into a union of strengths. The result: a developer capable of tackling area developments on a larger scale without losing sight of the human dimension.

Beyond a simple addition
When VanWonen acquired NU Project-ontwikkeling in 2022, it wasn’t just about increasing scale. It was a conscious, strategic move to make a greater impact together, including in the Randstad region. Originally, area developer VanWonen focused on the northern and eastern regions of the Netherlands. “We wanted to take on bigger projects, and we saw that meant we also had to get a foothold in the Randstad,” explains Alfred Bolks, VanWonen’s CEO.

NU Project Development proved to be the ideal partner. “We were looking for a solid partner who could help us grow from project development to area development,” adds Michel Zaadhof. “VanWonen had the knowledge and experience we were looking for. We clicked right away, sharing a similar culture, entrepreneurial drive, grounded mindset, and decisive action.”

The partnership proved to be a success, as the two teams complemented each other not only geographically but also in terms of style and approach. As Zaadhof puts it, “While we’re a bit bolder in the west, they’re more modest in the east.”

One name, one story
The decision to operate under a single name going forward is more than a cosmetic change. It is the next chapter in a story of three years of close collaboration. Our employees, customers and partners have already regarded VanWonen and NU as one organisation for a while. This name change is therefore the perfect, natural capstone to our integration.

This step highlights VanWonen as a national developer committed to sustainable growth, while holding onto the power of local engagement. And that is essential in area development, where long lead times and many stakeholders make the difference between a good plan and a successful, widely supported realisation.

Mission
The VanWonen mission is clear: Creating homes and living environments for the healthiest generations. They do this with both people and the planet in mind. “We believe in the power of attention,” says Bolks. “For every resident, every detail, every phase of the process. Our role extends beyond just development and construction.”

‘We want to contribute to a future-proof society.’

Participation is an integral part of their approach. Residents, municipalities and other stakeholders are actively involved from the very first moment. Even after the handover, VanWonen stays involved to gather insights, make improvements, and sustain relationships. ‘This is an opportunity to link four city districts, both physically and through a sense of community.’

ESG ambitions
VanWonen doesn’t just develop properties in line with ESG standards - they intentionally raise the bar. The company has set its own ambitious ESG goals that go beyond simply reducing carbon emissions or circularity. The company is also committed to social inclusion and health. They want to develop areas where people can live healthy lives and thrive together with others. This includes carbon-neutral homes, green public spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets and facilities that encourage social interaction. Not because they have to, but because it contributes to people’s quality of life.

Knoop Moerwijk
In the The Hague region, VanWonen is working on various large-scale area developments that reflect their vision. At Knoop Moerwijk, for instance, VanWonen is partnering with Staedion, Stebru, and the municipality of The Hague on a truly pioneering pilot project. “We don't want to sit back and wait; we want to take responsibility and expedite processes,” says Zaadhof. The ‘Viersprong Moerwijk’ action plan will breathe new life into a traffic junction, turning it into a vibrant city entrance. The project includes around 3,000 homes, will provide 800 jobs[M1]  and new facilities for healthcare, education and culture. There is also a focus on improving access to the public transport hub and creating a new city park.

This pilot forges a new path with its innovative division of roles: the private sector takes the wheel, driving the process with greater ownership and responsibility, while the municipality acts as a guide, setting the boundaries and overall direction. “By planning in parallel, we shorten procedures and accelerate housing production.”

De Binckhorst
VanWonen is leaving its mark on the Binckhorst, too. The company is turning an old industrial zone into a modern city quarter while keeping its raw and creative character. Phase 2 is about to begin, with a strong focus on sustainability, nature-inclusive design, and healthy living environments. In this effort, VanWonen is involved in the Maanweg and Zonweg sub-areas.

Havenkwartier
Approximately 2,000 homes with striking architecture will be built in the Havenkwartier district in Rijswijk, in the middle of a green and water-rich area. The plan provides space for restaurants, amenities and public meeting places. Here, VanWonen is developing the Urban Parks project with around 600 apartments (rental and owner-occupied), 4,000 m² of commercial facilities and 225 underground parking spaces.

Rotterdams Tij
In Rotterdam, within the Rotterdams Tij area development, VanWonen is developing the Roseplot project. “We’re creating a brand-new urban district here, nestled between the river, the railway and a future bridge,” says Zaadhof. “Our focus is on quality, with robust architecture and forward-thinking design.” The project is being realized in collaboration with Stichting Gebiedsontwikkeling aan de Maas (StiGaM), an independent partner dedicated to safeguarding public interests.

Awards and recognition
VanWonen’s comprehensive approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. Multiple projects have won awards for their excellence in sustainability, public involvement, and design quality. For example, their Pegasus project in The Hague recently won the inaugural Affordable Housing Prize from the Province of South Holland, beating out 40 other submissions. This recognition affirms their vision: building with people and their surroundings in mind not only creates better living environments, but also earns acclaim from both the sector and the public.

Keep building connected cities
The official name change marks the start of a new phase. VanWonen remains committed to area developments that truly make a difference, from the east and north to the west of the country. “We aim to make an impact nationally while staying involved locally,” Zaadhof states. “That calls for the courage to act decisively, side-by-side with municipalities, housing associations and other partners. The housing construction task is complex, but with the right mindset and collaboration, we can achieve great things.”

VanWonen is looking to the future in the The Hague region with great confidence. With solid ambitions, a deep-rooted commitment, and a proven track record, they are ready for what’s next.

Impression of Knoop Moerwijk: ECHO Urban Design