The Hague city council has given the green light to plans to build 11,400 homes close to the Hollands Spoor railway station in the next stage of a project to redevelop a major part of the city centre.

Part of the area will have a frontage on a canal

Laakhavens Hollands Spoor is one of eight development zones within the Central Innovation District, a project to redevelop and upgrade a large part of The Hague city centre. In total, the CID development will add some 20,500 new homes to the city.

The Laakhavens district is being transformed into a mixed-use urban area combining homes, workplaces and public facilities next to a major transport hub. As well as new housing, the district will include 55,000 square metres of office space.

“We are laying the foundations for The Hague in 15 years’ time,” said city housing chief Klaas Verschuure. “We are building these homes in a neighbourhood that is being transformed from a concrete jungle to a green oasis, car-free and with good cycling paths. It is a preview of The Hague of the future.”

The strategy includes the development of a new city park, more greenery in streets and housing, and low-traffic areas prioritising walking and cycling. Several of the developments within the CID as a whole are already underway.