VanWonen expands its area of operation and acquires UrbanParks Rijswijk project

With this acquisition, VanWonen is explicitly pursuing the further growth of its project portfolio and the corresponding growth of its team. ‘Projects throughout the country are becoming more complex and large-scale. That means that the leading role of developers in area development is becoming increasingly important, in close collaboration with all stakeholders. VanWonen is taking on these challenges and this role with great vigour,’ says Alfred Bolks, CEO of VanWonen.

VanWonen Director André ten Vergert adds: ‘We are an area developer that has its origins in Zwolle. In the coming period, in line with our growth ambitions, we will start adding select development locations in the Randstad to our portfolio. Our philosophy remains that area development can only be successful if we have knowledge of, and a good network in, the regions in which we operate. With this acquisition and others in mind, we have recently fortified our team with experienced colleagues who know the region of The Hague very well.’

Michel Zaadhof, CEO of NU Projectontwikkeling: ‘Together with a creative team, we have been working hard on the concept development of UrbanParks these past few years and we are proud of the result. This will be a beautiful environment for living, working and recreating that many people in Rijswijk will benefit from. It’s a pleasure to enter the next phase together with VanWonen as our enterprising partner.’

UrbanParks
UrbanParks offers a varied residential programme for a broad target group. It consists of affordable and medium-priced homes ranging from studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments. The smaller homes are meant for young professionals and first-timers on the housing market. The housing programme, with a relatively large number of medium-sized homes, fits in well with the planning objectives of the municipality of Rijswijk to realise more homes in this segment. These houses are particularly suitable for people climbing on the housing ladder and people with a medium income who are not (or no longer) eligible for social housing.

Focus on biodiversity, climate adaptation and social cohesion
In the UrbanParks plan, biodiversity plays a major role. Through the use of specific landscaping and planting, the flora and fauna are strengthened. The building and surroundings are designed to be climate-adaptive. This means that abundant rainwater is buffered to slow the runoff of it or to reuse it. There will also be many shared outdoor spaces. UrbanParks is designed in such a way that meeting neighbours and interacting with them is stimulated.

Completion expected in 2025
At the end of 2021, the letter of intent for UrbanParks was signed with the municipality. In the coming period, the participation process with local residents and other stakeholders will start. The input from the participation process will be used to work out the UrbanParks plan in more detail. In the coming six months, the zoning amendment will be prepared and started. The aim is to start the construction of UrbanParks mid-2023. In that case, the project should be completed in the second half of 2025.

Havenkwartier Rijswijk
Havenkwartier is being transformed into a new sustainable city district and a new hotspot for the Haaglanden region. At less than 15 minutes from the city centre of The Hague (express tram 17 stops practically at the residents’ doorstep) and close to Rijswijk station and Bogaard city centre, this part of the Plaspoelpolder business park is turning into a modern, creative and attractive new
city district with nautical qualities. Here, around the attractive city harbour, people will be able to live, work and recreate in a hip environment with all amenities, such as cosy restaurants, a gym and a local supermarket, nearby.