The Pletterijkade was officially opened yesterday after an extensive two-year renovation. Many residents, business owners, and involved partners gathered by the water to celebrate the renewed area. With a completely renewed quay wall, a safe cycle route, more greenery, and a quieter streetscape, the Pletterijkade is ready for the next hundred years.
Alderman Robert Barker performed the opening and emphasized the scale of the project: “We haven’t just replaced a quay wall here,” said Barker. “We have given a place back to the city: safe, green, and ready for the future. Residents and business owners have had to be very patient, and I am pleased that we can now see the result together.”
A quay that can last another 100 years
The immediate reason for the project was the necessary replacement of the quay wall. At the same time, the sewer system was renewed and the street was redesigned. The Pletterijkade forms an important link in the Star Cycle Route between the city centre and Ypenburg. Where cyclists previously had to take detours or squeeze onto a narrow strip, there is now a safe, comfortable, and logical cycle connection. Pedestrians also benefit: the sidewalk along the homes has been significantly widened, and the crossing over the Rijswijkseplein has become safer and more direct. The speed limit has been reduced from 50 to 30 km/h, and the street is no longer a through route for cars, resulting in more peace and quality of life.
More greenery and better growing conditions
A great deal of new greenery has been restored. In total, 575 m² of green areas with shrubs and bushes have been planted, plus 340 m² of grass on the Rijswijkseplein. The new trees are planted in special tree crates that provide more space, better water retention, and a longer lifespan. In doing so, the quay contributes to a cooler, climate-resilient city.
History kept visible
The rich history of the site has not been forgotten. On the corner with Rijswijkseplein, a commemorative plaque to the Haringkoning now stands, a nod to the famous Hague song. Additionally, a plaque was unveiled in memory of the Metaalpletterij en IJzergieterij LI Enthoven & Co, the factory that once produced the iconic Hague lampposts – the same posts that now stand along the quay again. The opening concluded with the unveiling of the historic plaque, together with Pim van Veen, Operations Manager at contractor Dura Vermeer.
Photo: Jurriaan Brobbel
Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online