MESSAGES FROM DUTCH CITIES

TEN Group study tour

1st – 2nd October 2009

Where we went

2. Bike tour of Vathorst, Amersfoort’s latest extension

1. Boat trip to see new harbour side housing in Amsterdam

3. Metro, walking, river taxi and tram tour of Rotterdam

What we learned

• Street surfaces are well-cared for

Amsterdam

• High density new housing has more than doubled the population

Amsterdam

• Simple construction and complex facades cut costs

Amsterdam

• Extensive use of balconies attracts families

Amsterdam

• Social housing caters for a wider range of households

Amsterdam

• High quality town houses on Borneo Island

Amsterdam

Source: Han Lorzing, Netherlands Institute for Spatial Research

Vathorst

Context

• Vathorst was developed under the ten year VINEX programme. It is one of 90 new suburbs, over 20 of which are in the Randstad

• Amersfoort Council built up experience in

Kattenbroek and Nieuwland

Vathorst

Connectivity

• The railway station was opened in advance of population build-up

Vathorst

Vathorst

• Pedestrians and cyclists have primacy

Vathorst

• High frequency bus service goes round the edge

Commerce

• Temporary shops provided from early on

Vathorst

• New shopping centre built on traditional lines

Vathorst

• Jobs close to home

Vathorst

Community

• Artists help build community spirit

Vathorst

Vathorst

Vathorst

• School provides community hub

Vathorst

• Variety of housing with something for everyone

Vathorst

• Mix of incomes as well as tenures at the neighbourhood level

• Housing for the elderly and the disabled at the heart of the community

Vathorst

Character

• The masterplan promotes a series of different character areas e.g. the Lake

Vathorst

Vathorst

• A diversity of builders and architects makes Vathorst more appealing

Climate

• Canals used to hold rainwater and add value to housing

Vathorst

Vathorst

• Energy saving is built into the foundations e.g. ground source heat pumps

• Bringing the country into the town

Vathorst

Vathorst

• Waste is collected from underground containers

Collaboration

• Information centre next to Vathorst Development Company offices

Vathorst

Vathorst

• Large model explains what the final scheme will be like

Rotterdam

• Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port

• The City sought to change its poor image (particularly Kop van Zuid) through the iconic Erasmus bridge

Rotterdam

Rotterdam

• The railway lines were put underground and a new metro link opened up

Rotterdam

• The whole Central Railway station is being rebuilt as part of the high-speed European network

• River taxis connect both sides of the harbour

Rotterdam

Rotterdam

• The vision was of Manhattan on the Maas

Rotterdam

Rotterdam

• Stylish apartments attract middle-class people to live in the centre

• A new theatre and an adjoining college put Kop van Zuid on the map

Rotterdam

Rotterdam

• Old warehouses have

been turned into a

creative quarter

Rotterdam

• Cultural facilities like Rem

Koolhaas’ modern art

gallery and iconic

architecture have helped

change the city’s image

How we might transfer the lessons?

1. Local investment Setting up joint venture

development companies

2. Local autonomy Working together across

boundaries to apply City Management principles

3. Social balance Broadening the range of

occupiers of social housing

4. Neighbourhood management Developing

‘social etiquette’ and integrating minorities into

our way of life.