The Municipality of The Hague is constructing a dedicated bus lane along Binckhorstlaan. This is between Wegastraat and Mercuriusweg. The work will start on Monday, October 26, and is expected to last five weeks. During the works, motorists should expect diversions and extra travel time. Thanks to the bus lane, HTM bus lines 26 and 28 will soon be able to run more according to schedule and serve their original stops again.
Livable residential area
The dedicated bus lane will be located on the existing parallel road on the east side of Binckhorstlaan and will be ready for use in December 2026. This marks the next step in the development of the Binckhorst, as Alderman for Area Development Henk Harms also observes: “A good, liveable residential area requires amenities close to home. Public transport is one of those amenities. The Binckhorst can only grow if we keep in mind that the district remains accessible to everyone who lives or works there.”
Parallel road closed to through automobile traffic
For the construction, the parallel road at the Binckhorstlaan-Mercuriusweg intersection will be closed. Traffic will be diverted via surrounding roads. Destinations and main roads in the area will remain accessible. Businesses may experience disruption due to the changed situation during the works. After December 4, traffic on the parallel road will only be able to turn right onto Mercuriusweg-oost.
Cyclists and pedestrians are temporarily unable to pass Mercuriusweg
Cyclists and pedestrians on Binckhorstlaan are temporarily unable to pass Mercuriusweg. From Mercuriusweg, cyclists can, however, ride north.
Plans to restore a direct train connection between The Hague and Brussels have taken an important step forward. On Wednesday 7 October, the Municipality of The Hague joined businesses, educational institutions, international organisations and regional partners in signing a manifesto calling for better international rail connections.
The initiative, titled Den Haag kiest voor internationale verbinding (The Hague Chooses International Connectivity), aims to strengthen the city’s accessibility and encourage railway operators to explore opportunities for a direct service between The Hague and the Belgian capital.
Alongside the signing of the manifesto, the city has launched a market consultation, inviting international train operators to consider how such a connection could be established.
Connecting Two International Cities
The Hague is home to hundreds of international organisations, educational institutions and businesses that regularly work with partners across Europe and beyond.
As the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague has strong connections with Brussels, which is home to major European Union institutions and NATO headquarters.
A direct railway connection would make travelling between the two cities more convenient for residents, professionals and visitors. It would also support more sustainable travel by offering an alternative to travelling by car.
The municipality believes that improving international rail connections would benefit not only The Hague but also the wider region and the Netherlands as a whole.
Broad Support for Better Rail Connections
The manifesto brings together representatives from the business community, international organisations, education, tourism, the conference sector and government.
Together, they are calling for improvements to international rail services, with particular attention to 2029, when the Netherlands will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Alderman for Mobility Adeel Mahmood emphasised the importance of international accessibility for the city.
“The Hague is an international city. Every day, thousands of people here work on peace, justice, security, innovation and international cooperation. Good international accessibility is an essential part of that.”
He described the signing of the manifesto as an important step towards restoring the Brussels connection.
“Our joint message to railway operators, the national government and European partners is clear: the demand is there, the support is there, and The Hague is ready.”
What Happens Next?
With the manifesto signed, the municipality and its partners will now seek input from international railway operators through the market consultation.
This process will help identify opportunities and requirements for restoring a direct service between The Hague and Brussels.
Although no start date, timetable or operator has been confirmed, the initiative represents a coordinated effort to put The Hague back on the map for direct international rail travel.
For the city’s international residents and organisations, improved connections with Brussels could make cross-border work, meetings and leisure travel considerably easier.
Source/Image Credit: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English/Editing: The Hague Online
Photo: From left to right, Harry Wientjens (Economic Board), Alderman for Mobility Adeel Mahmood, Christel Mourik (Managing Director, Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag) and Michiel Middendorf (Economic Board The Hague). Image Credit: Gemeente Den Haag.
Autumn brings a varied month of cinema to Pathé, with big new releases, thrillers and plenty of family adventures. Tom Cruise stars in Digger, while The Social Reckoning explores the story of Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. There is also psychological suspense in Verity, arcade-inspired action in Street Fighter and more horror arriving as Halloween approaches.
Beyond the major releases, Pathé’s In the Picture selection includes a new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, the unusual love story Wicker and Laika’s stop-motion adventure Wildwood. Horror classics return to the big screen throughout the month, while younger visitors can enjoy a new Shaun the Sheep adventure and two Sinterklaas films.
Pathé Specials
Opera: Così fan tutte – 3 October
The season of The Met: Live in HD opens with Mozart’s comedy about love, loyalty and temptation. Phelim McDermott’s production takes inspiration from Coney Island in the 1950s, placing the story in a colourful seaside fairground. Federica Lombardi and Samantha Hankey perform as sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella, alongside Duke Kim and Andrey Zhilikhovsky as Ferrando and Guglielmo.
Ladies Night: Wen Er Maar Aan – 7 October
Dutch comedy Wen Er Maar Aan follows actress M. as menopause, family tensions and the loss of her regular television role turn her life upside down. Determined to show that her future still holds possibilities, she sets out to reinvent herself. Pathé’s Ladies Night preview includes a snack, drink and goodie bag.
Queen Budapest – 7 October
Queen’s 1986 concert at Budapest’s Népstadion returns to the big screen in IMAX. Filmed during the Magic Tour, the band’s final tour with Freddie Mercury, the concert has been newly scanned and remastered in 4K with a new audio mix. The set includes favourites such as Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want to Break Free and We Are the Champions.
New top movies at Pathé
Digger – 1 October
Tom Cruise plays the most powerful man in the world, who makes a desperate attempt to save humanity from a catastrophe he has unleashed himself. The cast also includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jesse Plemons. Available in Dolby and IMAX at participating cinemas.
Verity – 1 October
Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, this psychological thriller stars Dakota Johnson as struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh. Hired to ghostwrite for celebrated author Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway, Lowen moves into the family’s secluded country house. A disturbing discovery draws her into secrets involving Verity and her husband Jeremy, played by Josh Hartnett.
Forgotten Island – 1 October
DreamWorks Animation’s latest adventure centres on two best friends who must find a way to grow closer before they grow apart. From the studio behind How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek and The Wild Robot, the film is available in its original version as Forgotten Island and in Dutch as Het Vergeten Eiland.
The Social Reckoning – 8 October
This follow-up to The Social Network, written by Aaron Sorkin, draws on the events behind The Wall Street Journal’s“The Facebook Files”. Mikey Madison plays Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who works with journalist Jeff Horwitz, played by Jeremy Allen White, to expose secrets within the social media company.
Whalefall – 14 October
Following his father’s death, Jay Gardiner, played by Austin Abrams, dives off the Californian coast in search of his remains. When a huge whale swallows him, Jay finds himself trapped with just an hour’s oxygen remaining. Lessons from his father, played by Josh Brolin, may offer his only chance of escape. Available in 4DX at participating cinemas.
Street Fighter – 15 October
Set in 1993, Street Fighter reunites estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters when Chun-Li recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament. Behind the competition lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to confront both their opponents and their past. Director Kitao Sakurai brings the arcade game to cinemas with familiar characters, signature moves and spectacular action.
Clayface – 22 October
DC Studios’ horror thriller stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, whose rapid rise from the streets of Gotham to Hollywood ends after a brutal attack. An experimental treatment appears to restore his former appearance, but his hold on reality begins to slip. Directed by James Watkins, the film follows his increasingly destructive pursuit of revenge.
Other Mommy – 29 October
Young Bela forms a connection with a sinister presence in her home that looks disturbingly like her own mother. Directed by Rob Savage, this horror film comes from producer James Wan and Blumhouse Atomic Monster.
In the Picture
Pathé’s In the Picture selection highlights distinctive films that bridge mainstream cinema and the film-house programme.
Sense and Sensibility – 15 October
Jane Austen’s story returns in a new adaptation starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles. Produced by the makers of Pride & Prejudice, the film brings another classic literary tale to the big screen.
Wicker – 22 October
Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård star in an unusual story about love, desire and the courage to go against convention. With Skarsgård playing the Wickerman, the film promises a strange and intriguing approach to the complications of love.
Wildwood – 22 October
Laika, the studio behind Coraline, presents a new stop-motion adventure directed by Travis Knight. Its imaginative world and detailed animation make this a film to experience on the big screen, with an adventure designed to appeal to both younger and older viewers.
Classics: Halloween on the big screen
October brings a selection of horror favourites back to cinemas:
Friday the 13th – 1 October: the reopening of Camp Crystal Lake leads to a terrifying series of murders.
The Shining – 8 October: Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel stars Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall as a family spending the winter in an isolated hotel. Also showing in IMAX.
The Craft – 22 October: a new student joins a group of school outsiders who discover the power, and dangers, of witchcraft.
A Nightmare on Elm Street – 31 October: Wes Craven’s horror classic brings Freddy Krueger and his deadly dream world back to the cinema for Halloween.
For the kids at Pathé
Het Vergeten Eiland – 1 October
The Dutch-language version of DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island follows two best friends facing changes in their friendship.
De Club van Sinterklaas Film: Paniek in het Pietendorp – 1 October
Preparations for Sinterklaas’s annual journey to the Netherlands are going smoothly until his staff disappears and bags of presents go missing. Suspecting a thief, the Pieten set out to solve the mystery.
De Grote Sinterklaasfilm en de Vliegende Pieten – 1 October
Extreme winter weather threatens to derail Pakjesavond. Unable to deliver presents across snow-covered rooftops, the Pieten begin working on an invention that could save the celebrations.
Shaun het Schaap: Het Beest op de Boerderij – 7 October
Shaun the Sheep returns for a new family adventure. The farm’s residents are looking forward to Halloween, but their plans are threatened when a clumsy farmer destroys the sheep’s pumpkin patch.
Dutch cinema
De Tatta’s: Daan – 8 October
Daan promises to find an unforgettable birthday present for his crush, Layla. With his grandfather Richard along for the ride, a seemingly simple mission becomes a chaotic journey through the Hollandwijk, full of unexpected encounters.
Pathé news
A cinema visit to bring people together
For the Week against Loneliness, Pathé and the Nationaal Ouderenfonds joined forces to encourage people to take an older person experiencing loneliness to the cinema. The initiative highlights how a shared outing can create opportunities for connection.
Looking ahead: The Hunger Games Marathon
Pathé has announced a marathon of all five Hunger Games films on 14 and 15 November at 25 cinemas. The programme brings together the four original films and the prequel about Coriolanus Snow, ahead of the announced release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on 19 November.
Pathé Thuis
There are also family films to enjoy at home through Pathé Thuis.
In De Film van Rutger, Thomas & Paco, Rutger and Thomas must solve a mystery when their dog Paco suddenly turns into a cat. They soon discover that other dogs are at risk too.
Paw Patrol: De Dino Film takes the pups to a tropical island inhabited by dinosaurs. When Mayor Humdinger’s plans trigger a volcanic eruption, the team faces a rescue mission of prehistoric proportions.
Pathé Thuis
There are also new releases to watch at home through Pathé Thuis during September, including Minions & Monsters, a new chapter in Illumination’s animated Despicable Me universe.
Release dates and screenings may change, so check Pathé directly for the latest programme, participating cinemas and tickets.
Pathé is the first and largest cinema brand in the Netherlands, founded in Paris in 1896 by true pioneers of film: the Pathé brothers. Their aim was to share the wonderful world of film with as many people as possible. Throughout the Netherlands, Pathé has 30 locations, 253 screens and 1,900 employees. Through its wide range of films, livestreams of opera, sports and gaming, among others, the latest techniques such as IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and ScreenX, and business events, Pathé creates special and unforgettable cinema stories for all.
Disclaimer& Copyright notice
Pathé is a partner of The Hague Online, and we receive cinema tickets in exchange for sharing monthly updates and links on our website and in our enewsletter. Text is provided by Pathé in Dutch and translated into English by The Hague Online. Images are provided by Pathé. Text and images may not be copied and shared without written permission.
For four decades, ACCESS has supported internationals making the Netherlands their home. The organisation marked the milestone with a celebration at The Social Hub The Hague, bringing together the volunteers, staff members, partners and friends who have shaped its work.
ACCESS celebrated its 40th anniversary in The Hague on Thursday 17 September, with a gathering at The Social Hub The Hague.
The event brought together people from across the organisation’s past and present, including volunteers, former volunteers, staff members, board members, partners and patrons. It was one of three anniversary gatherings organised by ACCESS, with celebrations also taking place in Amsterdam and Utrecht.
Speakers included Deborah Valentine, Executive Director of ACCESS; Kim Jooste, Chairperson of the ACCESS Board; and Hildemarij Fortanier-Mesker, Department Head of International Affairs at the Municipality of The Hague and Manager of The Hague International Centre.
Together, they reflected on an organisation that began by providing practical information in English but has developed into something broader: a community offering information, understanding, professional experience and a sense of belonging.
From information to belonging
Speaking on behalf of the Municipality of The Hague, Hildemarij Fortanier-Mesker highlighted the people behind the organisation and their contribution to making internationals feel welcome.
“People do not move to a new country looking only for information,” she said. “They are looking for connection. They are looking for understanding. They are looking for a community.”
She described how ACCESS volunteers have done more than answer practical questions. By sharing their own experiences, listening to newcomers and offering reassurance, they have also supported people as they built friendships, networks and confidence.
The long-running partnership between ACCESS and The Hague International Centre has made this personal support part of the welcome received by internationals arriving in the region.
Fortanier-Mesker noted that The Hague International Centre has achieved a client satisfaction score of 9.6, but said the city’s welcome could not be created by a website, registration procedure or information desk alone.
“It is created by people,” she said.
Her speech also paid tribute to Deborah Valentine and the many staff members, volunteers, board members and partners who have shaped ACCESS. While the organisation was originally created to improve access to English-language information and services, she said its role today is also about belonging, bringing communities together and enabling internationals and local residents to understand one another.
A special connection with The Hague
Kim Jooste reflected on the particular significance of celebrating the anniversary in The Hague, the home city of ACCESS and the location of several important firsts.
The Hague was the first municipality to establish a formal partnership with ACCESS and the first to welcome ACCESS volunteers directly into its own international helpdesk.
Jooste said this strong foundation remained important as both the city and the needs of its international community continued to evolve.
She also highlighted the many former ACCESS volunteers who have remained in the region, built careers and made The Hague their long-term home. Guests were invited to show how long they had lived in the Netherlands, with some having been here for more than 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years.
The moment illustrated how an organisation initially created to support people through relocation has itself become part of many people’s longer story in the Netherlands.
Four decades of change
ACCESS was established in 1986 as the Administrative Committee to Coordinate English Speaking Services.
Its beginnings can be traced to a community needs assessment carried out in 1985 and 1986. The international community had identified a need for reliable English-language information, emotional support and opportunities for people to connect and contribute their skills.
The organisation’s early work included a telephone helpdesk, information mornings and training sessions. In 1989, it produced its first Information Calendar and Baby Book. These were followed by employment and healthcare publications, newsletters and, later, ACCESS Magazine.
The historical displays at the anniversary celebration showed just how much the methods of providing information have changed. ACCESS progressed from telephone calls, paper files and a Rolodex to computer databases, a website, social media and face-to-face services delivered in cooperation with international centres.
The purpose behind those tools, however, has remained remarkably consistent: making it easier for internationals to find reliable information, appropriate support and a community in the Netherlands.
Volunteers at the heart of ACCESS
ACCESS remains a not-for-profit organisation built around the knowledge and experience of its international and Dutch volunteers.
Many volunteers understand the challenges of relocation personally. They draw on that experience to respond to questions, guide newcomers towards relevant services and offer the reassurance that can only come from someone who has navigated similar circumstances.
Volunteering also gives internationals a place to use their professional skills, develop new experience and establish networks while building their own lives in the Netherlands.
Over the years, thousands of people have contributed to ACCESS. Their work has supported internationals through the organisation’s helpdesks, website, Counselling Services Network, Training Network, childbirth preparation courses and partnerships with international centres.
Today, ACCESS provides free information and guidance to internationals in The Hague, Amsterdam, Amstelveen and Utrecht, as well as through its national helpdesk and online resources.
Looking towards the next chapter
The anniversary celebration was an opportunity to recognise the organisation’s history, but also to consider what internationals need today and in the years ahead.
The tools may continue to change, as they have throughout the past four decades. The need for reliable information, human connection and a welcoming community remains.
As ACCESS enters its next chapter, its story continues to be shaped by the people who contribute their time, experience, knowledge and kindness.
For 40 years, ACCESS has supported people in finding their way in the Netherlands. More importantly, it has supported many of them in finding their place.
Photos: Vinita Salomé.
Source: ACCESS and speeches delivered during the ACCESS 40th anniversary celebration at The Social Hub The Hague.
On Wednesday, September 9, Alderman Isabelle Broeders (Public Space) officially opened the renovated Houtzagerssingel. After three years of work, the quay wall and the street have been renewed. With the completion of the project, the Houtzagerssingel is ready for the future.
The works were part of the Multi-Year Structures Programme , through which the municipality is making bridges and quay walls in the city future-proof. The old quay wall has been replaced and can last another 100 years.
‘This new quay wall is more than just stone. It is an investment in the future of the neighborhood. With more greenery, pleasant places to linger, and space for socializing, we are making Houtzagerssingel more attractive and livable. It is wonderful to see that residents themselves are also making a difference. The small front gardens show how much pride and involvement there is in this street,’ says Alderman Broeders.
In addition to the renewal of the quay wall, the public space has also been redesigned. The Houtzagerssingel has been re-paving and more space has been created for greenery. New trees have been planted and new planting beds have been laid out along the quay. The final trees will be planted and the permanent planting beds laid out this autumn. Benches have also been placed along the water so that residents and visitors can enjoy the surroundings even better. A new boarding and disembarking point for tour boats has been created near Paulus Potterstraat.
The works demonstrate that renewal and preservation can go hand in hand. Therefore, a trial was also conducted to preserve ferns from the old quay wall. The plants were removed from the old quay, stone and all, and replanted in the new wall. One of the ferns successfully survived the relocation.
Golden Watering Can
During the opening ceremony, Alderman Broeders presented the Golden Watering Can to the resident with the most beautiful facade garden. In the project, existing facade gardens were improved and new ones were created. Residents themselves organized the competition for the most beautiful facade garden. The opening marked an important milestone for Houtzagerssingel and the neighborhood. The prize went to Rosa van Driel from Paulus Potterstraat.
” I am very happy with how the Houtzagerssingel has turned out. We already had beautiful trees, but it is nice that new trees and extra greenery are replacing them. We already had a small front garden, but thanks to this project, many neighbors have now created a front garden as well. As a result, the street has become much greener and more inviting ,” says Ms. Van Driel.
