Jaarbeurs masterplan

one large parking zone 

In the master plan for the Jaarbeurs Utrecht, all the parking zones between the Merwede canal and the Overste den Oudenlaan are concentrated in a single zone. Thanks to extra capacity and public-transport facilities, this zone functions as a mobility hub and gateway for visitors to both the Jaarbeurs and the city.

By concentrating parking along the canal and demolishing the existing Oranjehal, more than eight hectares of land have been freed up along the Croeselaan. For this purpose, the Jaarbeurs has agreements with the municipality, which will coordinate the redevelopment of this site with functions such as living, working, restaurants/cafés, culture and leisure.

Possibility of combining indoors and outdoors 

A clear structure, multifunctionality, flexibility and a high level of equipment were the starting points for the phased redevelopment of the actual hall complex. Dual land use, the integration of substantial green zones and activation of the edges towards the surrounding area were also important themes.

One of the characteristic features in the plan for the South Halls is the large events courtyard in the heart, which allows indoor and outdoor spaces to be combined. In the plan, the roofs of these halls are provided with transparent strips, sedum and PV cells. On top of the North Halls, two office and residential towers are projected, which also function as a landmark for the complex.

Centred around the pedestrian 

A central element in the master plan is the pedestrian axis between the parking area on one side, and the Beatrix theatre and the new public-transport terminal on the other. The pedestrian axis consists of the Jaarbeurspassage – which runs between the North and South Halls – and the Centrumboulevard, which is an extension of the Jaarbeurspassage.

On either side of the route, lively and attractive functions such as leisure and retail are planned. Other activities are also planned, which will greatly encourage people to linger on the pedestrian strip and will act to attract others, for instance local residents and people who work in the area.