No planes but trees, the runway covered with solar panels and a swimming pool next to the departure hall. The world famous architect Francine Houben from Sittard has made a plan for MAA opponents to transform the airport in Beek into a park. In case it closes, but the chances are slim.
Provincial politicians have outlined four future scenarios for the airport, one of which is about closure. Parliament is the least enthusiastic about this.
Also read: Limburg Parliament divided over MAA: ‘A lot is still unclear’
Tourism
But if the airport does close, then the Alliance against the expansion of Maastricht Aachen Airport has a plan ready. Designed by top architect Francine Houben and paid for through crowdfunding. The entire site will be transformed into a large park with lots of greenery, start-ups, solar panels and a swimming pool. Focused on tourism and cooperation between companies from the region. “A dream that seems achievable,” said architect Francine Houben on Thursday at a symposium about where the airport should go.
Durability
She sees a future of more sustainability, greenery, a focus on climate and a new economy and zeitgeist. An airport does not fit in that list. “In many places they have already been closed and converted,” says Houben. In Soesterberg, but also in Munich, Oslo and California, for example. “It makes a lot of sense what we’re drawing. I’m excited about it.”
cheapest
The exact price tag and what the park should yield is still unclear. But according to Frank Wormer of the Alliance against the expansion of Maastricht Aachen Airport, it will cost less than the other future scenarios. It would also yield more. “And when we come to the table with the right people, it’s so easy.” The resistance is in the traditional thinking of provincial politics, says Wormer. “That can and should be done differently.”
Schiphol
Another vision for the future is a collaboration with Schiphol. This involves closer cooperation in the areas of operation of MAA, commerce and real estate development, as well as taking a share from Schiphol Group in MAA. Both parties have been talking to each other since the end of December last year. Provincial politicians find the outcome of this very important for their final position.
Also read: Possible agreement between Schiphol and MAA expected in a month’s time
Nightmare
A close collaboration with Schiphol would be ‘a nightmare’ for Wormer and his alliance. “Then MAA will become an overflow port for Schiphol. Then the sixth runway will be built in Limburg that the airport in the Randstad cannot realize.”
Final decision
The provincial government will present a final proposal on April 19. It must therefore contain all currently missing information. The Limburg Parliament will then take a final decision on the future of MAA on 3 June.