The renovated Gedempte Gracht, Gedempte Burgwal, and Lutherse Burgwal have recently reopened to cyclists and pedestrians. The Hague is growing, and space in the city center is limited. Therefore, the municipality is working on solutions to keep the city liveable and accessible. The redesign of these three streets contributes to this: there is more space for cyclists and pedestrians, more greenery, and more room for terraces and bicycle parking. Moreover, the route offers cyclists a pleasant alternative to the congestion on Grote Marktstraat.
Alderman for Mobility Arjen Kapteijns is satisfied with the final result:
The Gedempte Gracht, Gedempte Burgwal, and Lutherse Burgwal have been transformed from busy traffic streets into a place where cyclists and pedestrians are given more space, and where entrepreneurs also benefit from a more pleasant atmosphere. This redesign demonstrates that a safe and green city center goes hand in hand with vibrancy and economic strength.
More space, more greenery, more quality
The streets had long been in need of a new and future-proof layout. On-street parking was already no longer permitted here, and time windows applied for loading and unloading. Previously, a temporary layout featuring wooden decking, planters, and benches demonstrated that the street could be made safer and more attractive. Therefore, the decking has been replaced by wider sidewalks, providing pedestrians with more space and allowing for more spacious terraces. The temporary planters have been replaced by permanent green areas and new trees.
Separate parking spaces for bicycles and scooters have also been created so that bicycles and scooters can be parked easily and the sidewalks remain clear. The result is a more attractive, greener, and better-designed street.
Safer cycling, more pleasant walking
The three streets now clearly form a route for cyclists and pedestrians. New speed bumps reduce the speed of car traffic, making the streets safer and more comfortable for everyone walking, cycling, shopping, or sitting on a terrace here.
After 11:30 AM, when truck traffic is no longer permitted and cars are no longer allowed to park on the street, the route becomes even quieter and clearer, and motorists can use the parking garages. Cyclists can then ride through comfortably without having to contend with the crowds on Grote Marktstraat.
The Hague, cycling city
The renewal of these streets aligns with the broader ambition to keep The Hague liveable, accessible, and traffic-safe. The bicycle plays an important role in this: healthy, sustainable, and often the fastest way to get around the city. That is why the municipality is investing in cycling lessons, affordable bicycles, secure parking, and comfortable routes, such as the Sterfietsroutes that connect popular destinations.
In The Hague, nearly one in four residents has low literacy skills. The Municipality of The Hague, ROC Mondriaan, UWV Haaglanden, MKB Den Haag, and FNV Haaglanden are therefore joining forces and have established the so-called ‘Lifelong Learning (LLO) collective Haaglanden’. Through this collective, nearly €2.2 million is available to help residents with limited basic skills and little educational background take a step towards education and employment. This is achieved through tailor-made pathways in which the skills required for each participant to take that next step are assessed individually . Language and basic skills form the foundation, supplemented by practical vocational skills that align with the demands of employers.
The training programs are intended for residents of the Haaglanden region. Preparations are currently in full swing. In this process, the LLO-collectief Haaglanden is working closely with VNO-NCW West, the Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven (Cooperation Organization for Vocational Education and the Business Community), and the regional municipalities. Residents are expected to be able to register this summer, and the first training programs are expected to start this autumn.
Practical approach with guidance
What distinguishes this approach is that the focus is not on the existing educational offerings, but on the capabilities of residents and employers. With each participant, the skills needed to take a step towards employment or further education are first mapped out. Employers indicate the knowledge and skills required in the workplace. ROC Mondriaan then translates this into feasible learning pathways in which language and basic skills are offered within a professional context.
Participants receive guidance throughout the program and maintain contact with a program supervisor even after completion. This ensures the transition to work is carefully prepared and the success rate remains as high as possible. The combination of training and guidance helps participants strengthen their self-confidence and professional knowledge and increases the chance of sustainable employment.
Future-proof labor market
“With this initiative, we contribute to promoting equal opportunities and economic security. After all, prospects for education or the labor market start at the grassroots level. It is therefore extremely important that we facilitate residents developing those skills,” says Alderman Nur Icar (Employment).
Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer (Education) is also pleased with the initiative: “This is an investment in opportunities. By combining language, digital skills, and vocational skills, we open doors to work and independence for those who need it most. Education, employers, and the government are joining forces on this. With tailored solutions for the workplace, we are building a future-proof labor market.”
During a festive gathering at Theater Diligentia recently, Mayor Jan van Zanen presented the Hague Youth Ribbons to young people who make a special contribution to others, their neighborhood, and the city.
In total, twenty young people received the Hague Youth Ribbon, each with a personal note from the mayor. This included a note about their talent, what they excel at, or exactly what makes them so special and valuable. The Youth Ribbon is a recognition of their social commitment and an encouragement to continue this work. The mayor presented the ribbons in the presence of proud parents, friends, and family. Two young people were unable to attend and will receive their ribbons later.
Youth Ribbon
The Hague Youth Ribbons have been awarded annually since 2009 to children and young people who achieved a special accomplishment in the city the previous year. The Hague Youth Ribbon is available for three age groups: 6 to 12, 13 to 17, and 18 to 23.
Mayor Van Zanen: “So many wonderful things are happening in our city, and that is partly thanks to people like these young people. Young people who dedicate themselves to others with full enthusiasm and dare to speak out. These young people show how much strength, creativity, and solidarity there is in The Hague – and for that, they deserve a full stage.”
Children’s and Teen Council Moerwijk
This year presented an exceptional situation: a group of twelve (young) youths jointly received the Youth Ribbon. The Moerwijk Children’s and Teen Council was honored for their group achievement, involvement in their neighborhood, and strong mutual bond. Van Zanen: “You demonstrate not only what collaboration is, but also that together you can achieve things that are too big to accomplish on your own. What binds you is that you have a strong bond and are enormously loyal to one another. People like you ensure that Moerwijk is truly a home for many residents.”
The young people are committed to safety in the neighborhood, organize campaigns for homeless people, support single parents, and contribute to initiatives such as the wish ambulance and summer activities with the Zuiderparktheater. They also organized a photo exhibition about the different cultures in Moerwijk, demonstrating how diversity can connect.
The Netherlands has officially gained a new national park, with the Hollandse Duinen awarded national park status on 28 April 2026. The recognition marks a significant milestone for one of the country’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.
Stretching along the South Holland coast from Hoek van Holland to Hillegom, the area connects dunes, beaches, forests, historic estates, and nearby urban environments into one continuous landscape. It is also home to thousands of plant and animal species, making it an important ecological zone within a densely populated region.
Hollandse Duinen is the first national park located entirely within the province of South Holland and becomes the 22nd national park in the Netherlands. The official designation provides a recognised quality label, supporting further collaboration, investment, and long-term development focused on nature, recreation, and sustainability.
The status follows years of cooperation between more than 60 organisations, including municipalities, nature organisations, and local partners. Together, they aim to strengthen biodiversity, improve connections between green and urban spaces, and make the area more accessible for residents and visitors.
For The Hague and surrounding areas, the recognition is expected to bring increased visibility to local nature spaces, alongside ongoing improvements to walking and cycling routes that link the coast more closely with the city.
Renovation of the Theresiakerk in the Rustenburg-Oostbroek neighbourhood is set to begin as soon as possible after the summer holidays, much to the satisfaction of all parties involved. The building will be transformed to include a supermarket, a community space, an underground car park, and eight assisted living apartments. The Municipality of The Hague will rent the community space from future owner Hoogvliet Beheer, ensuring it will serve as a social and meeting place for local residents.
Last year, the municipal executive (college van B&W) of The Hague granted an environmental permit for the transformation of the church building. This permit allows for the development of a supermarket and a social community space within the former church, as well as an underground parking garage. Eight assisted living apartments will be built on the site of the former presbytery, which will be demolished.
The permit has now become final, following the rejection of objections.
Community facility The supermarket in the Theresiakerk will be operated by Hoogvliet. Director Riny Kouwer expressed enthusiasm about the next steps: “We are pleased to be able to start soon in this beautiful and unique location. This will help restore the church as a lively and central place in the neighbourhood, where meeting and connection, as in the past, are once again key.”
In addition to the supermarket, space has been reserved for a new community facility for the Rustenburg-Oostbroek neighbourhoods. The Municipality of The Hague, developer Kavel Vastgoed, and Hoogvliet Beheer have agreed on a shared ambition to dedicate around 200 square metres of the building to neighbourhood-focused social functions after completion. The Escamp district will work closely with local organisations to shape the use and programming of this space.
Therese Flemminks, who has been closely involved since 2016, emphasised the importance of this: “For us, the most important thing is that the Theresiakerk is renovated as soon as possible and that a part of the building remains secured as a community space. In the shopping centre area of the neighbourhood (Oostbroek), there are currently no social or welfare facilities.”
Housing Along Apeldoornselaan, on the site of the current presbytery, eight assisted living apartments will be developed.
Preparations for the construction phase will begin once the permit is irrevocable. The parties involved expect building work to start in autumn 2026. Construction is expected to take around one and a half years, meaning the new supermarket and community space could open in early 2028.
A landmark building Alderman Co Engberts said: “I am proud of the residents who have worked so hard for this, and of the result they have ultimately achieved. The Theresiakerk is a distinctive and defining building for the Rustenburg-Oostbroek neighbourhood. A building like this should not be lost. The long period of vacancy has not been good for the area, nor for the church itself.”
Local resident and initiator of the Theresiakerk garden project, Loes van Beek, also expressed pride in the outcome: “I am incredibly happy and proud that the Theresiakerk was preserved for the neighbourhood in 2019, thanks to the tireless efforts of residents and the support of Stichting SOS Den Haag and Vereniging Vrienden van Den Haag. I am also very pleased that part of the church will now have a social purpose. I look forward to people walking through this beautiful building again in 2028 and to new connections being formed.”
About the Theresiakerk The Theresiakerk, built in 1929 and opened in 1931, was deconsecrated in 2007. Since a second-hand shop left the building at the end of 2018, it has no longer been accessible to the public. In 2019, the municipal council unanimously decided that the Theresiakerk should not be demolished. It took until 10 September 2025 for the redevelopment permit to be granted by the municipal executive.
Featured photo of representatives from the municipality, developers, and local residents. Pictured include Alderman Co Engberts (brown coat), Loes van Beek (grey coat, centre front), Therese Flemminks (red coat, front), Riny Kouwer (front left), and other involved parties and residents.
On 4 May, people across The Hague and the rest of the Netherlands come together to mark Remembrance Day, an annual day dedicated to honouring those who have died in wars and peacekeeping missions. At exactly 20:00, the country observes two minutes of silence, with public life coming to a complete standstill.
Alongside the national commemoration, the National Children’s Remembrance takes place at Madurodam. Now in its 11th year, this ceremony is created for, by and with children, offering a space for younger generations to reflect on the impact of war, persecution and the value of freedom.
This year marks a notable step in accessibility, as the event can be followed live via the official website with English subtitles available for the first time. This allows international residents and non-Dutch speakers to engage more directly with the ceremony and its message.
During the remembrance, children share stories and reflections, emphasising the importance of peace, human dignity and mutual understanding. In a world where conflicts continue to affect millions, including many children, the themes of the event remain deeply relevant.
Holocaust survivor Eddy Boas will attend as guest of honour, bringing a personal perspective that connects past and present. His presence underscores the ongoing importance of remembrance across generations.
