The grand transformation of the monumental Stationspostgebouw (Station Post office building) and the realisation of the new adjacent Postpark are the first steps of the urban redevelopment HS Kwartier in The Hague.
The former industrial and port area of Laakhavens will be transformed in the coming years into an attractive area for living and working. 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 development of the HS Kwartier will give an impulse to both the area around Hollands Spoor station and the connection with The Hague city centre. The area will be densified with a mixed urban development programme of 230,000m2, including a large number of homes, offices, educational facilities, student accommodation, hotels, culture, restaurants and shops.
Densification as a means of greening and sustainability
In addition to densification, the area development focuses on greening and creating a pleasant living environment for people and animals. The renewed layout of the public space will include attractive new walking and cycling routes, and innovative mobility concepts will be introduced. The viaduct on Waldorpstraat 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 accommodate 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 stepped volumes provide space for accessible green roof gardens and allow the ground level to flow over into an interesting and active roof landscape. The buildings fit in with the human scale and at the same time interesting and feasible greenery is added. On the Laakhaven side of Hollands Spoor station, a beautiful, green city entrance is created that feels like a linear city park. The future station square is the heart of the new park.
Postpark
A vast, stony car park in one of the busiest streets in The Hague has now made way for DELVA's Postpark, a new park with a 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 human size. Visitors are guests in the greenery, with the buildings in the background.
The trees are mainly indigenous species, such as mooses, hornbeams and rowan trees, and have been planted in a variety of shapes and sizes. The herb layer has a mainly natural appearance with plant species selected for their leaf structure. This creates a rich and diverse palette of different perennials that provide a pleasant combination of green and leaf structures.
Nature makes a powerful gesture and is given the space to take up its role within the urban context. Water infiltration and a varied mix of greenery make this part of the city more climate-proof. On summer days, the Postpark is already five degrees cooler than its context.
