Utrecht is getting a new, sustainable district: the zoning plan for the construction of -a maximum of 700 sustainable, energy-efficient homes in Haarrijn has been approved by the council. Floating solar energy islands will provide much of the energy in the new district.
This zoning plan enables the construction of a total of 700 sustainable, energy-efficient homes. Of the 700 homes, 19 percent social rent, 50 percent medium-priced (15 percent medium rent and 35 percent affordable purchase) and 31 percent in the expensive category.
There will also be a Utrecht Child Center (UKC) and a daycare center, the zoning plan allows up to 1,250 m² catering industry and a solar park on the eastern Haarrijnseplas and space for events. The western part of the Haarrijnseplas has been designated as a natural lake in the plan.
“Utrecht will have a beautiful and completely sustainable neighbourhood,” says alderman Klaas Verschuure. “We get a nice variety of homes here in a beautiful spot on the water. An asset to the city and its current and future residents.”
The plan was available for inspection at the beginning of this year. 14 opinions were submitted, which led to a number of relatively minor changes. The council will discuss the zoning plan in the autumn of 2022. The emphasis in the development of the Haarrijn residential area is on sustainability, sustainable energy and the use of circular materials.
This also includes facilities for electric and shared transport. Getting to the recreational part of the Haarrijnseplas floating solar energy islands† These provide 4 million kilowatt-hours annually, which can meet a large part of Haarrijn’s energy needs. In order to increase the biodiversity in the area, green belts will be built around the solar islands. This creates breeding and foraging areas (where animals can find food) for birds and bats in the middle of the lake. The municipality has launched a tender for the construction of this solar park.