Postpark - HS Kwartier The Hague
The large-scale transformation of the monumental Stationspostgebouw and the realisation of the new, adjacent Postpark constitute the first phase of the urban redevelopment of the HS Kwartier in The Hague.
The former industrial and port area Laakhavens will be transformed into an attractive residential and working area in the coming years. HS Kwartier, the area around Hollands Spoor station, is part of this development. In addition, as one of the three poles of the Central Innovation District (CID), the new HS Kwartier will contribute to economic growth in and outside the region. The area development of HS Kwartier gives a boost to both the area around Hollands Spoor station and its connection to The Hague city centre. The area will be densified with a mixed urban development programme of 230,000m2 , with a large number of homes, offices, educational facilities, student accommodation, hotels, culture, restaurants and shops.
Densification as a means of greening and sustainability
Besides densification, the area development aims at greening and creating a pleasant living environment for people and animals. Attractive new walking and cycling routes and innovative mobility concepts will be introduced in the redesigned public spaces. The Waldorpstraat viaduct will be demolished and the stony city street will be transformed into a green, climate-adaptive boulevard.
Five new towers around Hollands Spoor station will house the programme and enrich The Hague’s skyline. The staggered position of the volumes creates a varied streetscape with lively open spaces at and just above ground level. The cascading volumes provide space for accessible green roof gardens and allow the ground level to flow into an interesting and active roof landscape. The buildings match the human scale while adding interesting and feasible greenery. The Laakhaven side of Hollands Spoor station will create a beautiful, green city entrance that feels like a linear city park. The future station square is the heart of the new park.
Postpark
A vast, paved car park on one of The Hague’s busiest streets has now given way to DELVA’s Postpark, a new park with high biodiversity value and a new attractive place for people and animals. By planting a large quantity of trees, we have adjusted the scale of the park to the human scale. Visitors are guests in the greenery, with the buildings placed in the background.
The trees are mostly native species, such as mulch oaks, hornbeams and rowan trees, and are planted in a variety of shapes and sizes. The herb layer mainly has a natural look with plant species selected for leaf texture. This creates a rich and diverse palette of different perennials that provide a nice combination of greenery and leaf textures.
Nature makes a powerful gesture and is given space to take up its role within the urban context. Water infiltration and a diverse mix of greenery will make this piece of the city more climate resilient. Already, on summer days, the Postpark is a place five degrees cooler than its surroundings.
- Location
- The Hague
- Status
- Completed
- Client
- Life Makes Sens
- Together with
- Municipality of The Hague, KCAP