October 23, 2025 News
Bunnik Station quarter · Bunnik, the Netherlands
From vacancy to vibrancy
Towards a thriving, connected community
People-driven design
In the masterplan adopted by the municipal council, people are placed at the heart of the design. The plan creates a mixed-use neighbourhood that prioritises walking and cycling. Cars are consolidated in mobility hubs to reduce their dominance in the public realm. A “Green Promenade” connects the village, the surrounding landscape and the Science Park.
area
16 ha
Development site near Utrecht transformed into a mixed residential neighbourhood with services and workplaces
Green surfaces
16% → 42%
Green surfaces more than double, creating generous unpaved and planted areas.
Households
>1,000
A diverse mix of dwellings supporting an inclusive, lively community
Water storage
>3,000 m²
Water infiltration zones and over 1 km of new sustainable drainage (SuDS) integrated into the landscape
Public space will be greened and designed to be climate-adaptive, with strong attention to biodiversity, water retention and infiltration through a wadi system. A central park will provide high-quality spaces for recreation, play and local events, while the public realm is arranged to make meeting and everyday social life easy and natural.
The ultimate cyclists’ station
Bunnik aims to become the cycling hub of the region and therefore focuses on strengthening the “train-cyclist” link. A new bicycle connection across the A27 will make the station perfectly accessible from the south. The striking new bike- and pedestrian bridge integrated between the buildings will transform what is now a barrier into a memorable experience at the Gateway to Utrecht.
The “Green Promenade” — a fietsstraat (lit. “bicycle street”) — links the quarter to the station.
Space for water, greenery, and collectivity
Greenery plays a key role in creating this a pleasant residential environment, with distinct layers of character across the site. The main green structure reinforces Bunnik’s role as a regional gateway and connects to the surrounding landscape structures. This network is formed primarily by the Green Promenade, complemented by the green verge landscape along the railway.
Bunnik station quarter masterplan
Main green-blue network
Collective and private green structure
Guidelines for the integration of key themes in the development
The next layer links these structures to the individual plots: the greened “Regulierenring,” renamed the “Wadi Ring,” and the new central park. Finally, greenery within the plots themselves is designed as collective green — forming the connecting element between large-scale green structures and the greenery close to residents’ homes. These collective spaces encourage encounters, enhance permeability through the area, and tie into the water system.
Phased delivery with early benefits
The green spine forms the backbone of this phased delivery, acting as a catalyst and space for social interaction. Early greening, repurposed parking and new shared spaces will rapidly improve everyday life and help shape a recognisable neighbourhood character.
Coordinated measures for water-infiltration and biodiversity are integrated from the start, ensuring that ecological value and climate adaptation are made visible across the site even during phased development.
Multi-functional car parking buildings support services and neighbourhood life
A vibrant central park anchors the community with areas to meet, play, and relax
Reclaimed street space transforms parking into green streets and social hubs
Neighbourhood-scale greenery combines water management with playful and social spaces
