Strengthening the identity
In the future, the Mient Kooltuin will be an area for walking to the existing centres and the new residential district Valkenhorst on the former Valkenburg airfield. It will also be one of the entrance areas to the National Park Hollandse Duinen. In our design plan, the area’s identity – with the iconic value of the dunes, the horticultural tradition and the military heritage – is strengthened.
Barracks forest
The original landscape forms the basis for the future layout of the area. Our plan provides for a forest around the monumental barracks that will become the recreational heart of the area. In a transition zone between the wooded wings, there is room for various recreational functions. This zone forms the transition to the highly valued open meadow landscape that will be further strengthened and made fordable.
Recreational landscape
The gradual transformation of the area into a recreational landscape will go hand in hand with the strengthening of the ecological values in the Mient Kooltuin and with the protection of the Natura 2000 dune area. The Mient Kooltuin will become a recreational and hydrological buffer between the dune area and Valkenhorst. And by combining the recreational development of the area with the enhancement of the natural values within the area.