Multi Vastgoed and ING Real Estate unveil new development concept
On Tuesday 8 April, Multi Vastgoed and ING Real Estate will be unveiling their design plans for the extension of the shopping centre in the heart of Nieuwegein. After years of preparation, the final plans are ready, and building can commence in the second half of 2008. This new development will breathe new life and purpose into Nieuwegein’s city centre.
Under development proposals, the retail centre will double in size, and additional space will be created to accommodate 255 residential units and 1,500 extra parking spaces in Centrum Oost. Over the coming years, the total retail floor space of Nieuwegein Centrum will double in size to a total of 56,000mē. Cityplaza currently comprises 28,000mē, consisting of retail units and catering establishments. Of this total, 7,000mē is earmarked for development. The new centre will boast 35,000mē of retail floor space. In addition to these three retail blocks, the Multi/ING development partnership will realize 255 residential areas. The new city centre will also accommodate municipal offices, and 3,000mē of retail space. In consultation with the municipality, a further 1,500 parking spaces will be allocated in this section of the city centre. Richard Reulink, board member of the partnership, said: With this new development, Nieuwegein Centrum will transform from an inward-looking, covered shopping centre into an open, multi-purpose and lively centre, the throbbing heart of the city. Rather than pay a quick visit to the shops, visitors will be able to indulge in extensive shopping, entertainment and socialising. Alderman Lubbinge is delighted by the diversity of the project: By providing a mixture of activities, including retail, residential, work and entertainment, we are breathing new life into Nieuwegein. After more than 35 years, our city centre has finally come of age.
A unique atmosphere and unrivalled quality, courtesy of a team of renowned architects
The new centre has been designed by the reknown architects Pi de Bruijn of De Architecten Cie., Liesbeth van der Pol of DOK Architecten, and Kim Herforth Nielsen of 3XN.
Developers realize project for real estate investor Corio
Gouda-based Multi Vastgoed and ING Real Estate of The Hague are jointly responsible for developing and realizing the commercial centre and residential units. Following project completion, the present owner of Cityplaza, Corio, will also own and manage the new shopping centre. All three parties have been working closely together since the inception of the project to produce the best possible end result. The new retail centre has been carefully designed to reflect the current multifunctional use of Cityplaza, which will also be modified in certain areas. The development as a whole reflects the strengthening efforts being made on behalf of all retail outlets, enabling both established and start-up entrepreneurs to flourish. The residential units will be sold by the Multi/ING development partnership.
Planning
Construction of Block 1 and Block 4 (City Hall) will commence in the autumn of 2008. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion in 2011. The sale of residential units has been earmarked for early 2009.
Construction of Block 7/8 (the Market and the connection between the Market and the new retail square along the Raadstede) is scheduled to commence in 2011.
Sustainability
The development plans for Nieuwegein reflect the philosophy of Multi Vastgoed and ING Real Estate and their ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable development in urban centres. The principles underpinning this philosophy are encapsulated as broadly as possible in the design and construction of the mixed-purpose units. In addition, the plans contribute towards securing a sustainable future for the city centre of Nieuwegein; they harness the spending power of the community, stimulate local employment opportunities and promote social cohesion within the city centre.
Accessibility
The new retail centre will be easily accessible. The municipality has already drawn up proposals to improve transport links. In addition to new bus, cycle and walking lanes, low-access trams will run between Nieuwegein and Utrecht. Motorists, meanwhile, can take advantage of the 1,500 extra parking spaces in Centrum-Oost. Rotterdam-based KCAP Architects and planners will ensure all parking garages are given an identical user-friendly design and appearance.
New name to be unveiled
The name of the new development will be officially unveiled on 8 April. All communication efforts surrounding the project will be undertaken under this name.
Design to be unveiled to entrepreneurs and residents
The architectural design plans for Cityplaza will be unveiled to residents and entrepreneurs on 8 April. On Wednesday 9 April (from 12.00 to 18.00hrs) and Saturday 12 April (from 09.00 till 17.00hrs), an information market showcasing the new development will be held in the entrance hall of Cityplaza. The developers will be on hand with a scale model and presentation board to inform shoppers and other interested people about the designs. A special animated video has also been produced, showing the completed retail centre. The developers and the municipality invite everyone to take a look behind the scenes.
Explanation of projects and phases
PHASE 1: 2008 - 2011
Unit 1
Pi de Bruijn of Amsterdam-based Architekten Cie has designed a beautiful building comprising 17,000 mē of retail floor space across three levels. Above the retail units are five elegant residential towers, offering maximum residential diversity comprising 180 apartments for rent and sale. Everyone, from starters to senior citizens, young families and single persons, are guaranteed to feel at home. The apartments have a private outdoor area. Residents have exclusive use of the basement car park. Building will commence in the autumn of 2008. The project is scheduled for completion in 2011. The sale of these units is expected to commence in early 2009.
Unit 4/City hall
Kim Herforth Nielsen of Denmark’s 3XN has turned the City Hall into a genuine eye catcher. This special, exclusive building will accommodate municipal offices, a library, a multi-cultural centre, the CWI/UWV and the Visual Arts Centre. The building will additionally comprise approximately 3,000mē of retail space. Construction of the City Hall will commence in the autumn of 2008.
PHASE 2: 2011 - 2013
Block 7/8
Liesbeth van der Pol of Amsterdam-based DOK Architecten was responsible for designing this part of the design plan. Block 7 houses the passageway connecting the retail square to the new market square. This area will accommodate smaller fashion outlets, and house approximately 75 residential units above. Together, the passageway and market square comprise a total of 15,000mē retail floor space, including catering establishments with outdoor cafes along the market. Like Cityplaza, the square occupies an elevated position to create basement parking spaces, thus removing the unsightly view of hundreds of parked cars. Building is scheduled to commence in 2011.