New Plans for Scheveningen

With a few 'cosmetic' changes and a number of large-scale and at times daring projects, Scheveningen should once again become the busiest and most popular beach resort in Northwestern Europe the whole year round.

Rather than large-scale demolition, the draft Scheveningen Coast Master Plan calls for further developing the sea front area by investing in public space, attractive squares, amenities for tourists and top attractions with international allure. The draft plan adopted by the Municipal Executive on 10 July 2009 outlines plans for the three parts of Scheveningen: the harbour, village and beach resort.

Pier

Scheveningen Pier takes a central role in the future plans with a new open square and attractions providing a lively atmosphere in the area. The Municipal Executive would like to see the Pier extended with all kinds of appealing attractions, such as a seawater swimming pool, a hotel, a landing for cruise ships, a water taxi to Scheveningen Harbour, and a major attraction like the Ferris wheel on the River Thames in London or the harbour cable car in Barcelona.

A Broadway-like atmosphere should be created around the Circusplein. The police station and casino will make way for a new hotel and a second theatre. The casino will move to the Pier. The Palace Promenade shopping centre will be made more open and the adjacent Palaceplein will become more intimate.

According to Deputy Mayor Marnix Norder (Urban Development and Housing), 'Consultations earlier this year with Scheveningen interest groups convinced me that the area around Scheveningen Beach could be given a real boost if we continue to build on the qualities that are already there. The emphasis needs to be on regenerating the sea front area. Scheveningen needs to get its buzz back. I see this Master Plan as the start of a transformation process for Scheveningen.'

Scheveningen Beach

Scheveningen Beach will be given a complete makeover by giving such buildings as the Kurhaus, the Palace Promenade complex and Sea Life a more open character.

Wider passages to the Boulevard on both sides of the Kurhaus should ensure that the sea is visible to visitors approaching Scheveningen from the Zwolsestraat. They should be able to literally see and smell the sea. The apartments in front of the Kurhausplein will be given a new facade which is more in harmony with the architecture of the Kurhaus. A new attraction at the end of the promenade by the Carlton Beach Hotel should be created for day visitors so that the entire length of the promenade is fully used. 

Scheveningen Harbour

Scheveningen Harbour (the Norfolk Terrain, Second Harbour and Havenkwartier Noord) is being developed into a mixed area for living, working and leisure. There will scope for further development of the fishing industry and for (international) water sports as well as residential homes, shops and restaurants around the harbour area.

The well-known Kompasbuurt in the Havenkwartier will be partially renewed and partially demolished to make way for new housing projects. Large apartment buildings like the Lindoduin will be demolished to make room for more modern buildings with a view of the sea.

The Municipal Executive will stand by an earlier proposal to construct a 25-metre high bridge for bicycles and pedestrians over the jetty to link the northern and southern beaches. The Norfolk Terrain will be developed into a village with winding streets, approximately 800 homes and an underground parking garage in the partially filled in third harbour.

Follow-up procedure

The future of the Norfolk Terrain, Noordelijk Havenhoofd (northern side of the harbour inlet), Boulevard and Second Harbour was already decided upon in February 2008. These decisions are not being reconsidered in this Master Plan.

After the summer, the Master Plan together with the Environmental Impact Assessment will be open for public inspection. Depending on reactions received, the Master Plan may be adapted. Thereafter, the plans will be presented to the Municipal Council in November 2009.

'The Master Plan offers some interesting leads for discussions with other authorities on the repositioning of the sea defences. We will continue to talk with businesses in Scheveningen about future economic developments and with residents about such issues as the living environment and quality of life, traffic management, and their future involvement in the process. The commitment and enthusiasm of all the participants in the consultation process was unprecedented. We received more than 2,000 ideas, and all the meetings were well attended', says Deputy Mayor Marnix Norder.

Work on renewing the Boulevard will begin after the summer of 2009, an operation that will last three years. Construction on the Norfolk Terrain will then follow and thereafter the rest of Scheveningen will be tackled.

Links

• More information on the Boulevard

• More information on the Harbour