Station Area Culemborg

Culemborg faces the significant challenge of building more homes. To address this, the initial focus is on inner-city locations near the train station. This approach has led the municipality to explore comprehensive options such as renewing the station, improving the connection between East and West Culemborg, and gradually transforming the Pavijen industrial area into a residential environment.

The station area presents opportunities for a denser, mixed-use development that enhances the quality of the public space. It will be a well-connected area integrated with the surrounding city. The master plan for the station area in Culemborg prioritizes maximum greening and climate adaptation. The design for the neighbourhood is based on the principle of "green unless," meaning hard surfaces are only used where absolutely necessary, creating a predominantly green, livable neighbourhood with a focus on biodiversity, health, and climate resilience.

A new park will serve as the vibrant heart of the neighbourhood, contributing to both environmental and social functions with spaces for sports, social interaction, and recreation. The rail corridor, an ecologically important structure, will be preserved and enhanced. Together with neighbourhood parks, green streets, and building-integrated greenery, such as courtyards and green roofs, ecological connections will be strengthened, resulting in a rich, interconnected, green public space. The station square will act as a mobility hub, linking the station area with the rest of Culemborg.

In addition to ecological networks, the master plan places a strong emphasis on climate adaptation, addressing heat stress and heavy rainfall. The neighbourhood's system is designed to naturally retain and buffer water through swales and sunken planting areas. This reduces flooding during heavy rain, provides a cooling effect, and enhances biodiversity. By using a variety of plant species and creating diverse wet and dry habitats, the plan supports specific wildlife habitats.

Human health and livability are also key themes in the station area. The plan promotes residents' well-being by encouraging physical activity, play, and social interaction. There are various walking routes and meeting places for all age groups, and the neighbourhood is designed to foster connections between residents and nature. The master plan offers an integrated vision for a green, healthy, and future-proof neighbourhood, with nature, climate adaptation, and livability at its core.

Culemborg, Station Area, commissioned by the Municipality of Culemborg, in collaboration with SVP, park design, public space, urban transformation, climate-adaptive city, Flux landscape architecture, 2024