Over the past year we have worked on an ambitious Master Plan 2.0 for the Arenapark, commissioned by the Municipality of Hilversum, on the further development of this area until, say, 2035. The Arenapark is a 30-hectare office location in the southeast flank of Hilversum in a favorable location with substantial room for growth. We had previously worked on a Master Plan 1.0 in collaboration with Sweco, Goudappel Coffeng and Drijver and partners, from which the new Master Plan 2.0 emerged. This new Master Plan was unanimously adopted by the City Council on July 1, 2020.
This approval brings a future-proof and vibrant business park a step closer where working, living, sports and learning will reinforce each other. The development of Arenapark is now entering the next phase in which the master plan will be worked out into an urban development plan. At the same time, an image quality plan is also being drawn up in which the urban design and architectural principles of the (further) development of the park are described. The municipality aims to have both plans ready before the summer of 2021.
Promoting sustainable mobility through clear spatial structure
The public space at Arenapark is currently characterized by unclear routes, low spatial quality and dominance of car traffic and parking spaces. In Master Plan 2.0, cyclists and pedestrians are therefore central and given priority in the redevelopment of Arenapark. Relocating a number of roads will create a new structure that is clear and easy to read. This will be controlled by two intersecting axes, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to enter and traverse Arenapark almost entirely conflict-free. Cycling to and from Arenapark will be made safer, faster and more attractive by a new bicycle tunnel and overall network quality improvements. In addition, sidewalks, plazas and wide pedestrian boulevards will be constructed for pedestrians.
The new developments will also increase the amount of car traffic, but by adjusting the accessibility of car traffic, inconvenience will be limited. The current visibility of the large amount of parking spaces will be solved by going underground or by a well-designed parking building. In addition, a possible relocation of the station to the heart of Arenapark (a desire of the municipality) will invite more visitors to exchange the car for the train for daily commuting. However, relocation of the station still requires much follow-up research to assess its (financial) feasibility.
Flexible development lots
In the new structure, public space is enclosed by three large development lots, within which offices, housing, an athletics and gymnasium, hotel and action sports hall (suitable for skating and BMXing) will be developed and possibly an international school.
This mix of amenities contributes to the vibrancy and social safety of the new Arenapark. For the lots, guidelines have been established with which the developments must comply, with special attention to creating public, transparent plinths. Within these guidelines, several development variants and opportunities for further compaction are possible so that the Master Plan offers flexibility for possible changes in the future.
A green Arenapark
In order to create a more attractive public space, the Master Plan focuses on greening to match the surrounding heathland nature of the Laapersheide. This heath vegetation creates a green environment in the Arenapark with attention to ecology, biodiversity and climate adaptation. New buildings will have a zero-to-the-meter standard and energy will be generated on roofs, facades and in the public space. Captured rainwater will then be used for cooling and watering the greenery.
For this assignment we are working together with engineering consultancy firm Sweco and the consulting firms Goudappel Coffeng and Drijver and Partners.
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