The government is investing tens of millions in The Hague’s accessibility and amenities. This includes major investments in projects in The Hague, such as the Vlietlijn and the Waterfront Park in the Binckhorst district. The government is also allocating significant funds for rail services to and from The Hague. This is evident from the distribution of Housing and Mobility Subsidies published by the government on Monday.
5,000 homes are being built in the Binckhorst district, with another 7,000 to 8,000 planned by 2027. This makes the Binckhorst district a key area for the city’s development and the regional housing challenge. To maintain this growth, the national government is investing heavily in mobility and public spaces in the area.
The municipality is receiving the largest portion, nearly €45 million, for improving the integration of the Vlietlijn – the future tram line that will connect Binckhorst and surrounding areas. The subsidy will allow for a tunnel in the railway triangle, allowing the tram to continue running faster and improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
On top of this, The Hague will also receive an additional €33 million for the northern section of the Waterfront Park along Mercuriusweg. This park offers a green oasis for current and future residents of the Binckhorst, the CID, and the existing city center.
Alderman Robert van Asten, responsible for Urban Development, is therefore thrilled with the national government’s contribution: “This is fantastic news for everyone who lives or wants to live in The Hague. The tram makes the construction of thousands of additional homes possible, and with this funding, we can ensure they fit even better into the Binckhorst neighborhood. This is the boost we need to help make the Binckhorst the unique neighborhood we envision.”
Reinforcement of the Old Line
The Oude Lijn railway line can also count on additional investment from the national government. This railway line has connected the cities of Leiden, The Hague, Delft, Schiedam, Rotterdam, and Dordrecht since 1847. By 2040, the region will have an additional 400,000 residents, resulting in the construction of 170,000 homes and the creation of 80,000 jobs. To transport these additional residents, additional investment in the railway and stations is essential.
Alderman Arjen Kapteijns, responsible for Mobility, responded enthusiastically: “We are pleased with the additional contribution from the national government to the Oude Lijn project. This will allow us to take a good first step towards improving stations, including Laan van NOI. This is absolutely necessary because The Hague will grow in the coming years, and it is crucial that public transport continues to improve. For the complete package, which will enable all the urbanization, additional investment is still needed for new stations, increased frequency of sprinters, and full four-track connectivity. We hope to be able to make agreements on this with the national government next year.”
Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online
Photo: Aerial photograph of the Binckhorst. Photo credit: Juriaan Brobbel