Blokker-site Gouda redeveloped into a mixed-use urban district

Last Monday, White House Development (WHD) and the municipality of Gouda have signed a cooperation agreement for the “Blokker-area”. WHD is planning to redevelop the area into a mixed-use district with a green, natural character. To achieve this, WHD will soon start discussions with different market parties. The urban plan for the new district, the “Burgemeesterkwartier”, is designed by Mei architects and planners, and Felixx Landscape architects & planners. Living in the landscape within the city The main principle for the transformation of the Blokker-area is the combination of “het Goudse Landschap” and a robust urban structure, resulting in a healthy and safe living environment which contributes to the city of Gouda. Here future inhabitants and visitors of the area have the opportunity to experience nature within an urban setting. Rogier Tetteroo, Alderman municipality of Gouda: “The demand for housing is very large. We are therefore aiming to accelerate the housing development in the Spoorzone, which will include social housing. I am happy to see the response to our fundamental precept of adding at least 15% as public green space.”   Diversity and nature inclusive The plan consists of 600 apartments/housing units, with a wide variety of housing- and garden typologies for different users. The “Burgemeesterkwartier” will become a mixed-use district, which adapts to the changing needs of its inhabitants. The plan carefully combines housing and amenities, while offering a lot of space for water, green and nature. The development aims to be sustainable, nature inclusive and climate adaptive. Low-traffic intensity and shared mobility The “Burgemeesterkwartier” will have a low-traffic intensity. Parked cars will remain out of sight by implementing half-underground and indoor parking facilities. The proximity of the intercity station of Gouda, makes the location suitable for alternative types of mobility. Therefore, the development will be one of two testcases for the “Citydeal Elektrische mobiliteit”. Besides an electric car sharing system also high-quality bike storage will be implemented to stimulate the use of slow mobility. Possibly, other forms of shared mobility could be added, like shared scooters, shared cargobikes and shared e-bikes. Martin Rietveld, director WHD: “The ‘Burgemeesterkwartier’ will become a beautiful urban mixed-use district, with a strong natural character and active plinths with amenities. The proximity of high-quality public transport and the monumental city center are a few of the location’s unique selling points.” Spoorzone The Blokker-area is part of the development of the Spoorzone and acts as an anchor between living, working, recreating and mobility. Through its spatial composition and network, the different neighborhoods within the Spoorzone will become better connected with each other, while giving the opportunity for future developments to add onto this network. Because of the large demand for highly connected urban residential housing in the Randstad, 1000 new housing units will be built for different users in different categories, like social-, rental- and owner-occupied housing. Next to its diverse residential program, space will be made for workspaces, offices and amenities. Development perspective The municipal council of Gouda has established a development perspective for the area. This perspective describes the preliminary ideas to turn the Spoorzone into a resilient mixed-use district. It pays special attention to nature, sustainable construction, climate adaptation and a good parking balance which prevents nuisances from parking. More information about the Spoorzone can be found at: Goudaspoorzone.nl