Cartesius Mobility Hub launched: visitors, entrepreneurs and local residents can experience shared mobility at Cartesius in Utrecht.
In the presence of alderman Klaas Verschuure, the go-ahead was given for the Cartesius Mobility Hub in the future new healthy urban living district of Cartesius in Utrecht. The first 100% electric cars were taken into use today, together with We Drive Solar and realestate developers MRP and Ballast Nedam Development, between the Utrecht Zuilen railway station and the CAB. With this, the partners in this area show Cartesius Utrecht adds sustainable and green value to the city before, during and after construction. Residents, entrepreneurs and visitors in and around Cartesius are already getting the chance to get acquainted with shared mobility.
Cartesius - electric driving with shared cars is becoming the norm
In Cartesius, healthy and sustainable mobility becomes a matter of course. There will be new forms of mobility that will reduce car use. Instead, shared mobility, public transport and good cycling and walking connections are used. Cartesius residents are offered attractive alternatives to the car and other mobility options with the help of a smart mobility offer. It will also be easy for visitors to Cartesius to make sustainable mobility choices.
Utrecht alderman Klaas Verschuure (Municipality of Utrecht): “Cartesius will be a sustainable neighborhood with a lot of attention for healthy urban living for everyone. This includes green, sustainable energy and shared mobility. The start of the first shared cars and the expansion in Cartesius in the near future will ensure the growth of electric shared cars in our city.”
Cartesius is located right next to Utrecht Zuilen train station, which makes traveling to the area by public transport attractive. Sufficient and comfortable bicycle sheds in combination with cycle paths facilitate cyclists optimally. Owning a car is therefore no longer necessary for the future residents of Cartesius. Living near the heart of the city, easily accessible for bicycles and next to Utrecht Zuilen station.
Onno Dwars, CEO Ballast Nedam Development: “10,000 steps a day is healthier than going to the gym three times a week, as Dr. Yoshiro Hatano from Japan examined. By encouraging walking and cycling, car use and ownership in and around Cartesius will naturally decrease and exercise and thus health will increase.” This also guarantees peace and safety in the residential area behind it, in favor of health and quality of life. Placing smart and ecological noise barriers at the train tracks - which also generate solar energy - also ensures a quiet living environment.
Start immediately and invest in a healthy living environment
The available fleet will comprise dozens of cars from the delivery of the first homes and will be further expanded when new homes are delivered or when use increases. Paul Trip, general manager of MRP: “We are not waiting for the delivery of the homes with the Cartesius Mobility Hub, but we are already start. Even before the first pile went into the ground. With cars in and around the area, we now offer a unique offer for current residents and entrepreneurs around Cartesius. We want to inspire and show what is already possible.” If you need a car, there will be a fleet ready for you in the future with the latest electric cars. Everything is accessible with the new mobility of Cartesius. By train to Amsterdam, by e-bike to Nieuwegein or by car to Hoek van Holland or even the south of France. It's all possible at any time, without owning a car. There are also shared cars from We Drive Solar in the immediate vicinity at Daalsedijk, Galjoenstraat, Cremerstraat and der Thorbeckelaan. New locations are already being prepared at Seringstraat, among others (right next to the exit of the new bicycle tunnel).
All cars are accessible to both local residents and future residents in Cartesius. In this way, the Cartesius Mobility Hub already contributes to sustainable mobility and the reduction of parking pressure in Utrecht West before the first homes are delivered.
Cartesius Utrecht: a healthy urban city district
In and around Cartesius people can live harmoniously with each other, the city and nature. Cartesius, inspired by the scientific theory of the Blue Zones, will be a vibrant, sustainable and green city district. A place to recharge. With the monumental building, known as the CAB, as a second living room and the radiant center of the district. Cartesius will create a differentiated and inclusive living environment and a spatial environment where meeting and natural movement are central, with a unique identity and high ambitions. At least 30% of the neighborhood will be green for enjoyment, but also to promote climate adaptation and the biodiversity of the area.
In addition to the great focus on stimulating a community and mutual connection, the area development also focuses on social responsibility. There is currently an acute shortage of housing in the Netherlands. That is why the first start is on the realization of homes in the social segment (In collaboration with housing corporation Portaal and Stichting De Tussenruimte) and homes with medium rent. The plan also makes room for a great deal of variety and a large number of special target groups, creating an inclusive society. Care has also been taken that the urban district will soon have a good mix of different housing types, so that everyone can find a suitable home in every phase of life and can pursue a housing career within the district.
Program and facilities in Cartesius Utrecht
The Cartesius area development consists of different phases. Phase 2-6, with 2510 homes, is being developed by Ballast Nedam Development and MRP. Together with the first phase of 330 homes (Keystone Vastgoed), a neighborhood is being developed with a total of 2840 homes, two parks, a primary school, sports hall, supermarket with organic products, catering and various cultural and sports facilities. The neighborhood will be car-free, with plenty of space for walkers and cyclists and smart mobility solutions. At the moment there is no information available about the start of the sale and rental of the homes.
For more information about Cartesius Utrecht, visit https://www.cartesius-utrecht.nl/
The future of workspaces
The world has changed, and the ways in which we work have changed along with it. As we continue to adapt to this “new normal” we’re left wondering: How do we build the best future of work that’s good for business, responsive to individual well-being, and circular for the good of both people and the planet?
On May 11th, Jonas Kjellberg, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of NORNORM; Bart Meijer, Founder and CEO of MRP; Marlot Kiveron, Sustainability Lead of Otrium; and Lauren Razavi, Expert in the future of work and borderless living; discussed live on the future of workspaces in a post-pandemic era, moderated by Sophie op den Kamp, Managing Director of TNW Spaces. Watch the event here.
About NORNORM
NORNORM is a subscription-based workspace provider on a mission to define the future of how we work — by rethinking the effectiveness of traditional workspaces, the sustainability of furniture use, and the wellbeing of people as they return to their out-of-home work lives. NORNORM has now officially launched in The Netherlands and is already servicing offices across wider Europe.
Learn more at www.nornorm.com
Or contact Katrina Brindle – Communications Lead katrina.brindle@nornorm.com
About MRP
MRP (Meijer Realty Partners) is a Dutch real estate investment and development corporate firm with 1.5 million square meters of real estate throughout the Netherlands. With extensive experience in property development and investment, MRP is a leader in the Dutch market. MRP distinguish itself by managing large scale, mixed-use complex projects in urban area developments where expertise and innovative entrepreneurship are of great importance. MRP Flex Offices is a flexible and affordable office concept of MRP. www.mrpdevelopment.nl
More information about WFC Amsterdam and MRP Flex Offices at:
www.wfcamsterdam.nl
www.mrpflexoffices.com
