CBRE Investment Management signs agreement for the realization of more than 350 apartments in Cartesius, Utrecht at PROVADA
CBRE Investment Management has signed a development and realization agreement with the Cartesius consortium (MRP and Ballast Nedam Development) at the Dutch property fair, PROVADA, for more than 350 apartments spread over 3 buildings in Cartesius Utrecht. The apartments are part of phase 2 of the Cartesius development, a diverse, sustainable and healthy new city district in Utrecht. The construction of 56 apartments, part of the Nicoya sub-area, will begin this summer with a total of 242 homes. Developments in the Loma Linda sub-areas and the apartment complex on the CAB will follow later. This monumental building will provide 246 free sector rental apartments that are directly connected to the Cartesius Park, an open green oasis in the middle of the district and the Green Loop around Cartesius. At least 30% of the district will be green to promote climate adaptation and biodiversity of the area.
Niels Doodeman, Ofer Gilboa, Eveline Keizer, Eray Kocay, Paul Oremus Bianca Hollander, Bart Meijer
The buildings in Cartesius have low energy consumption. The energy for hot tap water and heating is generated from a collective geothermal energy source and equipped with solar panels. Every new resident receives a free introductory subscription for shared mobility. There will be spacious bicycle parking and good cycle paths. The new bicycle tunnel under the railway, allows residents in Cartesius to quickly reach the historic city centre. Residents of Cartesius receive a membership of the Cartesius area association for a number of activities.
Paul Oremus, Country Manager & Manager Dutch Funds CBRE Investment Management commented: "This acquisition in Cartesius Utrecht is part of the strategy of the Dutch housing platform that focuses on investing in sustainable,healthy living and working environments. We are pleased to be part of this development and the designs do justice to what we stand for; High-quality and sustainable homes in healthy and social environments.”
The first building with 56 apartments to be realized in phase 2, part of the Nicoya sub-area, was developed by the consortium and was designed by Paul de Ruiter Architects, the construction is realized by developers, Ballast Nedam West. The courtyard garden of Nicoya offers privacy and connects people and nature with beautiful walking paths and seating areas to meet each other. The courtyard garden is a biotope designed in collaboration with the city ecologist and Mecanoo, a Dutch architecture firm. Plants native to the area were carefully chosen to provide residents with privacy and passers-by with a sense of relaxation. -. There will be a parking garage that is integrated into the courtyard. Trees literally grow from the parking garage. Through a beautifully designed entrance, you walk to the green courtyard garden that is connected to the Cartesius Park. The green facades are common property to ensure that everything is well maintained.
The CAB - Living Room of the District - Cartesius Utrecht
The CAB, designed by architect Mecanoo, will be the eye-catcher and a symbol of the identity of Cartesius in Utrecht with functions focused on healthy food, community, exercise, meaning and relaxation. The CAB aims to activate the environment so that it becomes an attractive meeting place for residents and visitors. The CAB is therefore called the 'Living Room of the District'. The monumental substructure in combination with the ultra-modern apartment building that will travel above it is to become an internationally leading interplay.
Bart Meijer,CEO MRP said: "We are delighted to partner with CBRE Investment Management who share our vision to invest in the sustainable and healthy development of Cartesius in Utrecht. The apartment building on the CAB will be the real eyecatcher. Building in the existing city is an important role to keep the city current and the facilities intact. The transformation of the CAB shows respect for heritage and shows that densification of the city above existing monuments can also be achieved."
Cartesius - Healthy Urban Living - Utrecht
Cartesius Healthy Urban Living
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 become a lively, sustainable, and green city district. A place to recharge. With the monumental building, known as the CAB, as a second living room and radiant center of the neighborhood. Cartesius creates a differentiated and inclusive living environment and a spatial environment where meeting and natural movement are central, with its own identity and high ambitions. At least 30% of the area of the district will be green for people to enjoy, but it also promotes climate adaptation and the biodiversity of the area.
Onno Dwars,CEO Ballast Nedam Development added: "The reuse of buildings is becoming increasingly important and icons such as the new CAB will contribute to strengthening this movement. It is an international exemplary project, in a healthy area development, something that fits perfectly with a company such as CBRE Investment Management. Through an architectural symbiosis between old and new, this design will soon transcend the function that the building itself has. It will be part of a new world in which the hardware and software fit together seamlessly, where social infrastructure is built in a neighborhood and where development and construction is done with respect for people and nature."
Cartesius will have a good mix of different housing types, so that everyone can find a suitable home at every stage of life and make a living career within the district. Phase 2-5, with more than 2,600 homes, is being developed by MRP and Ballast Nedam Development.
