A number of Holland Metropole partners have signed an agreement to speed up the construction of between 7,500 and 8,000 homes in the Binckhorst redevelopment area in The Hague.

An aerial view of the Binckhorst redevelopment area. Photo: The Hague

The deal, agreed between the Dutch government, The Hague and Rotterdam city councils and the province of Zuid-Holland, clears the way for the next phase in the redevelopment process, which is transforming the former industrial site into a vibrant urban area. Holland Metropole developers AM, BPD, Dura Vermeer and VanWonen are also involved in the project.

The housing ministry has identified 24 locations nationwide where residential development is to be sped up. Together, they will include more than 100,000 homes.

Sites in Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven, Utrecht and Lelystad are among those earmarked for the new approach, which involves both the public and private sector working together to solve problems on the ground.

Public private partnerships

"Collaboration between governments, the private sector, housing associations and other stakeholders is crucial to unlock and accelerate complex development sites," said housing minister Elanor Boekholt‑O'Sullivan. "This is an important step for the Binckhorst, for the region of The Hague, and for the many people waiting for a suitable place to live."

By the time the Binckhorst project is completed in 2040, it will have added up to 30,000 homes to The Hague's housing stock. A key part involves the construction of a new tram route linking the seaside resort of Scheveningen to The Hague's main railway station and Delft.