Delft Spoorzone
Geographical area: Europe
Location: Delft, Netherlands
City size: Small (between 50,000 and 250,000 inhabitants)
Promoter: Municipality of Delft and ProRail
Developer: Delft Train Station Area Company
Start year:
End-year:
Implementation phase: Implementation in progress
Project size: Neighborhood
Total area of intervention (in sqm): 24.000
Total investments (in USD): -
The regeneration of the Delft Railway Zone is a transformative urban development initiative located in the city of Delft, in the southern part of the Netherlands. Situated between the historic city center and the surrounding residential districts, the project covers an area of approximately 240,000 sqm. The railway required an important intervention to improve the livability of the neighborhood, as the noise pollution, the traffic system and the connectivity between the surrounding districts were significantly impacted by the presence of the railway. The land is primarily owned by the state-owned railway company ProRail and the Municipality of Delft, with additional parcels held by private entities. This ownership structure has facilitated a coordinated development effort, allowing for the integration of new infrastructures with the existing urban fabric. The project's strategic location brought a vital link between different parts of the city, enhancing connectivity and accessibility. Indeed, until 2015, a railway line cut straight through the old part of Delft, splitting off the rest of the city from the center. The history of the Delft Railway zone project dates back to the late 1980s, when the need for improved railway infrastructure in Delft became increasingly pressing. Initial research into potential solutions was conducted between 1988 and 1992, with the idea of constructing a tunnel emerging as the most sustainable option by the mid-1990s. The formal masterplan formulation began in 1999, led by the Municipality of Delft in collaboration with both the Regional and National Governments. The planning phase culminated in the early 2000s with the development of a comprehensive master plan, which outlined the integration of new infrastructure with urban redevelopment. Construction works started in 2009, marking the beginning of a new phase in Delft's urban development. The Delft Train Station Area Company, established to oversee the project, works as the main project developer and manage the construction of the tunnel and other key infrastructure elements. In addition, the company established through a public-private partnership is appointed to stipulate the contracts with private developers to concede development rights. The eastern section of the tunnel was completed in 2014, allowing for the relocation of the railway underground and the subsequent demolition of the old viaduct. The western section of the tunnel followed, with completion in 2017. The project also involved the construction of residential and commercial spaces, which are expected to be fully developed by 2035. At the end of the redevelopment, the land ownership will be sold to private developers and the Delft Train Station Area Company will be dissolved. The Delft Rail Area regeneration project focuses on creating a sustainable, mixed-use urban district that enhances the city's economic vitality, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. The project is expected to create long-term value for the city through higher property values and increased commercial activity, together with providing several commercial- and service-oriented job opportunities. In addition, the project has improved mobility within Delft, in particular by introducing sustainable mobility options such as pedestrian walks and bicycle lanes, strengthening public transportation and connecting districts previously divided by the railway. The project also addresses several sustainability goals, mainly by reducing urban pollution and integrating green spaces to promote biodiversity and foster the urban ecosystem of the city.
Land use zoning
The Delft Railway zone project has resulted in the creation of a mixed-use urban district. The regenerated area includes 50,000 sqm of new construction, of which 40,000 sqm are dedicated to mixed-use purposes including commercial, recreational, and cultural spaces. The remaining 10,000 sqm are designated for residential use, providing different housing units for new residents to settle in the neighborhood. In addition, the project has integrated substantial green spaces covering an area of around 60,000 sqm, including public parks and recreational areas. Lastly, the renovation project will also provide the area with different educational buildings.
Economic
The Delft Railway zone regeneration project brought significant economic impacts, revitalizing a key urban area and fostering long-term economic growth. The project involved the creation of a mixed-use urban district, which includes commercial, residential, and public spaces. The redevelopment of the area is expected to enhance the economic vitality of Delft by maximizing the economic potential of the city and its citizens. The regeneration has also generated employment opportunities both during the construction phase and in the long term, mainly through the creation of new commercial and service-oriented jobs. Furthermore, the project is expected to create significant financial value for the city, contributing to the local economy's sustainability, and to significantly increase the real estate value in the redeveloped area.
Environmental
The Delft Railway zone project addresses several key concerns, particularly in terms of sustainability and the mitigation of urban pollution. The project includes the construction of a tunnel for the new railway network, which reduces noise pollution and improves the overall residents’ comfort. The redevelopment plan also incorporates green spaces, including a canal and public parks, which are designed to enhance biodiversity and provide residents with access to nature. By promoting sustainable urban development and reducing the city's ecological footprint, the project aligns with the broader environmental goals established by the Regional Government.
Social
Certificates
The regeneration of the Delft Rail Area did not receive any environmental certification.
Funding source
The regeneration project has been mainly funded by public sources, together with private resources from private developers. The state-owned ProRail company, the Municipality of Delft and private developers established a Public-Private Partnership to manage, implement and conduct the regeneration initiative.
Financing and economic instruments
The Delft Railway zone regeneration project was financed through a combination of public and private resources. The National Government of the Netherlands provided significant financial support, particularly for the construction of the tunnel and other critical public infrastructures. The public investment from the National Government was complemented by public funds from the Municipality of Delft and other regional authorities. The land site of the Delft Railway zone is owned by the public-private partnership Delft Train Station Area Company which merged the private- and public-owned land under a unique entity. After obtaining the ownership of the land site, the public-private partnership sold the land to private developers and employed the resources gathered to finance the renovation project. In particular, the company stipulated contracts with private developers to sell development rights on the land, later selling the land to private entities when the development will be concluded. Beside public resources, private investment also played a crucial role mainly by financing the development of commercial and residential spaces.