Cartesius Utrecht is the first Heart of Health area development
Cartesius Utrecht has the distinction of being the first 'Heart of Health' area development. In all its facets, Cartesius endorses the pillars from Utrecht's recently launched and international regional positioning, the Heart of Health. The moment was officially celebrated during real estate fair Provada. As the beating heart of the healthy society, Utrecht's mission is to bring about sustainable, positive change as a region. The Heart of Health vision encompasses a world where people can live a better life, with more satisfaction and in a living environment that promotes their well-being. Cartesius Utrecht, a sustainable urban district with some 3,000 homes, is inspired by the scientific theory of Blue Zones, places around the world where people live healthier and happier lives for longer.
Onno Dwars - Paul Trip - Michiel Dijkman
Cartesius - a progressive healthy urban neighbourhood
In and around Cartesius, people can live harmoniously with each other, the city and nature. Cartesius will be a lively, sustainable and healthy urban district. There will be a differentiated and inclusive living environment and a spatial environment where meeting and moving are central. At least 30% of the district will be green to stay and enjoy. This green space will also serve to promote climate adaptation and biodiversity in the area.
Paul Trip - Hanneke Posthumus - Michiel Dijkman - Onno Dwars
In this residential area, hardware and software are leading to facilitate healthy people and a healthy living environment. This is being shaped with the help of science and by area developers Ballast Nedam Development and MRP. Results are measured with scientific partners and applied where possible. Together with the Utrecht region, other area developers are called upon to also join Utrecht's Heart of Health movement.
Michiel Dijkman, director Economic Board Utrecht: "Utrecht is the beating heart of a healthy society. Healthy people live in a healthy living environment. Our companies and institutions have everything to contribute the most to a healthy(r) world. A project like Cartesius, a bluezone in a city where people age 5 years healthier, is a fantastic concrete example of that ambition. And that too through a fine collaboration of EBU members from business, government and knowledge institutions. We should be proud of that.
Cartesius - Healthy Urban Living - Utrecht
Cartesius - Utrecht is located in the heart of one of Europe's most competitive regions.
As home to innovative companies, world-class knowledge institutions, forward-thinking governments and bright minds, we have earned our place on the global stage. We have the skills, resources and support to create a healthier and more sustainable world for everyone. Cartesius is an area development that fits that perfectly"
Onno Dwars , CEO Ballast Nedam Development: "The consortium set the tone with Cartesius in 2017 when we won the tender with the Cartesius Concept for Healthy Urban Living. Cartesius is not only unique for Utrecht or the Netherlands but beyond and will set new standards internationally. In every facet of the development, we apply the lessons underpinned from science and add new insights. The healthy mix of different housing and facilities will contribute to a healthy, sustainable and green new urban district in Utrecht."
The first Cartesians have been living in Cartesius since this spring
The sale and construction of Nicoya, the second phase of the Cartesius area development, will start in spring 2023. The second phase will see 770 homes built, 165 of which will be social housing. The CAB will be the 'living room of the neighbourhood' and will include a supermarket with a wide organic range, catering establishments and workplaces for creative businesses. Cartesius Park will be a green oasis in the middle of the neighbourhood. In the first phase of the neighbourhood, the first residents of the mid-rent flats moved into their new homes this spring.
Paul Trip, Special Advisor Development at MRP: "We are proud to be the first area development in the Netherlands to carry the Hearth of Health endorsed logo. In Cartesius, as one of our pillars for the new city district, connection is indispensable for a longer happy and healthy life. We think it is important to encourage and facilitate as many natural encounters as possible. Therefore, we are already starting the Cartesius area association. Together with the Metropolis Utrecht, other area developments are called upon to also join Utrecht's Heart of Health movement.”
Start of construction second phase and sale Nicoya in Cartesius Utrecht. The sale of the owner-occupied houses of the second phase of the area development 'Nicoya' started in April. Nicoya was developed by MRP and Ballast Nedam Development under architecture by Paul de Ruiter Architects with courtyard landscaping by Donker Design and the urban plan is by Mecanoo. The large-scale healthy area development Cartesius in Utrecht, next to Zuilen station, will include around 3,000 homes ranging from social rent and starter homes to large flats and luxury town houses.
