Bicycles and pedestrians are the new protagonists of this park. Through the demolition of a concrete road tank, users can paddle through the historic center of the city along the canal and enjoy the surrounding landscape. The project is an excellent example of revitalizing the qualities of urban space with the reintroduction of water and the biodiversity it generates.
Catharijnesingel by OKRA landscape architects. Photograph courtesy of OKRA.
Catharijnesingel by OKRA landscape architects. Photograph courtesy of OKRA.
Description of project by OKRA landscape architects
The restoration of the canal structure around the old city centre of Utrecht is an essential part of the Station Area Master Plan. The original historical water structure will be restored by re-digging the canal where it was dampened in the past. The first parts were restored in 2015. The final part of the restoration of the canal is the part from the Mariaplaats to the Bartholomeus bridge, the Catharijnesingel Zuid.
OKRA has made a preliminary design on the assignment of the municipality of Utrecht and the parties involved, which was adopted in November 2017. The design consists of bringing back the canal and the construction of a new park on the east side of Catharijnesingel. This park is an extension of the Zocherpark. In the style of Zocher, the waterline is a cultivated line, in which the reflection of the park in the water is expressed.
The project area is characterised by its green, sloping character in which flora and fauna, ecology, (water) recreation and traffic have been carefully fitted in. In 2018, the demolition of the concrete road tank began. From 12 September 2020, it will be possible to paddle around Utrecht’s historic city centre along the canal.
Green connection
After more than a century trains no longer use the Oosterspoorbaan. Bikes and pedestrians are the new users of this unique city park that connects the historical city centre of Utrecht with the green estates of Rhijnauwen and Amelisweerd. These act as the green belt around Utrecht. The intensely used path along the historical river Kromme Rijn is connected to the new Park Oosterspoorbaan
Train history
The double track is still present in the new park. As a reminder of the former use, recycled rails are visible on the sidewalks and recreational seating squares. By maintaining the rail portals and adding additional columnar beech trees, the city’s historical line will stay visible.
Co-creation
In close consultation with residents, it was decided to express the train history on the former embankment. The surrounding area has a more natural look. In addition, the neighbourhood voted in favour of the concept where the cycling route is partly on and next to the railway embankment. This has created a varied routing for the new kilometre-long city park.
