The Hague city council unanimously approved the zoning plan for Escher Gardens last week. This means the starting signal for the development of the city’s highest residential towers, right next to Hollands Spoor station.
Councillor Robert van Asten (Urban Development): “This is a very important step for The Hague. We will soon be building more than a thousand homes next to Hollands Spoor station. With this we can make a great many residents of The Hague who are looking for a home happy. We are going to transform the entire area around Hollands Spoor into a green, vibrant Hague district.”
Tallest towers with large number of homes
Escher Gardens will consist of two iconic towers of approximately 160 meters high. The towers will be built above space for shops, restaurants, social functions and offices. In total, 1,250 homes will be added for students, starters and families. Of these, at least 30% will be social housing, 20% mid-range housing and a maximum of 50% private sector.
More space for cyclists, pedestrians and greenery
Escher Gardens will also change the immediate surroundings. In the plans, Waldorpstraat will become a green city boulevard for the new residents of the area. This means: greener, safer and more attractive. The street will be less focused on car traffic and will have more space for pedestrians, cyclists and people staying. Waldorpstraat will be downgraded for through motorized traffic and will become a one-way street.
This will be done in conjunction with other traffic measures in the Central Innovation District (CID), such as adjustments to the Rijswijkseplein, which will become car-free and green, and the Schenkviaduct, where there will also be fewer cars and more space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Start of construction
Now that the zoning plan has been approved, the developer can continue with the preparations. Construction can start as soon as the traffic decision has been taken and the environmental permit has been granted. Construction of the towers is expected to start in 2027.
Part of the Laakhavens – Hollands Spoor development
Escher Gardens is part of the large-scale area development Laakhavens – Hollands Spoor. In the coming years, more than 10,000 homes will be built here, approximately 55,000 square meters for offices and approximately 70,000 square meters for facilities. The area is changing into a lively, easily accessible and sustainable city district with space for living, working, learning and relaxing. A large park with underlying parking garage will be built in the heart of the district.
Featured Photo: Escher Gardens, view from Waldorpstraat, which is planned to become a green city boulevard.
Text & Image: Gemeente Den Haag. Translation: The Hague Online