Current situation

The Municipal Council approved the Hoogbouwvisie (high-rise buildings) discussion document in January 2005. This document indicated that high-rise construction is the preferred method of integrating Leidsche Rijn with the existing city area. In fact, it would even be possible to exceed the height of the Domtoren in this zone. These guidelines form the basis of the Master Plan for Leidsche Rijn Centrum (approved by the Municipal Council in January 2006). As a result, Burgfonds and architects Architekten Cie. joined forces and subsequently presented their ideas for the Belle van Zuylen tower development.

The Municipality reacted positively to the global content of the Belle van Zuylen tower plan. This led to a feasibility study, which was performed in June 2007 and reviewed matters such as structural strength, safety, wind nuisance, adequate sunlight, etc. Because Burgfonds was the only private sector party to react to the high-rise buildings discussion document and the master plan and as there was no requirement for an official tender procedure, the Municipal Executive agreed to the feasibility study in June 2007 and decided to continue with Burgfonds and the development of the Belle van Zuylen plan.

The Municipality and Burgfonds are currently preparing a declaration of intent while at the same time working on the designs for the Belle van Zuylen tower. The Belle van Zuylen development will achieve final approved status when it is included in the Stedenbouwkundig Plan (urban development plan) for Leidsche Rijn Centrum Noord, which is due to be submitted for planning approval in June 2008.

1 | 2