This week, developer RE:BORN announced its ambitious plans to redevelop the Scheveningen Pier. Following a two-year participatory process with local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders, the shared vision is to transform the Pier into the most sustainable pier on the sea. Key features include a revitalized, green entrance via Pier Square, a public park on the promenade deck, and the extensive use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. RE:BORN also aims to restore the Pier’s former grandeur, allowing visitors to experience its rich historical significance.
The new design will feature a diverse mix of retail, entertainment, a boutique family hotel, a four-star hotel, and a multifunctional space for cultural events and conferences, accommodating up to 500 people. The iconic Ferris wheel will remain a central attraction, and a large spa and wellness center will be introduced. With a dynamic year-round program, the Pier will contribute to Scheveningen’s economy, even during the winter months. Renovation is expected to begin in early 2026, following approval by The Hague City Council. The promenade is scheduled to reopen within a year, with the other sections following progressively. The fully redeveloped Pier is anticipated to open to the public
by 2028. For more information, visit www.pier.nl.
Redevelopment within Zoning Plan
Since its opening in 1961, the Pier has attracted countless visitors, drawn by its unique atmosphere, sea views, and events. It has become a beloved social and cultural landmark for both locals and tourists. The redevelopment plans aim to further enhance this sentiment.
Saman Mohammadi, CEO and partner at RE:BORN, explained the project: “The Pier will be redeveloped within the current zoning framework, with exceptions for the hotel, office space, and the Ferris wheel. Our goal is to expand and diversify the Pier’s unique character. Sustainability is at the core of our approach, ensuring the Pier’s long-term future. The new design will not only drive economic growth for Scheveningen but also foster social cohesion in the region. We are committed to rebirthing the Pier.”
Robert van Asten, Deputy Mayor for Urban Development, highlighted the Pier’s significance to the city: “The Pier is an iconic landmark, both for Scheveningen and The Hague, with international recognition. We are committed to preserving its accessibility for everyone and restoring its vibrancy. We are pleased to have developers ready to take on this challenge. The current state of the Pier is unsustainable, with some parts of its structure in critical condition. We will provide a formal response to this vision for the Pier in the coming weeks.
Participatory Process
The redevelopment process began in 2022 with an extensive consultation phase to gather input from visitors, businesses, stakeholders, and local residents. Through interviews, surveys, and discussions, the needs and desires of the community were identified.
This participatory process was not a requirement, but we felt it was essential to involve the community in shaping the Pier’s future” Mohammadi emphasised. “We aim to build something that people love, and we want the surrounding community—residents and businesses—to share in that sentiment.”
The feedback from this consultation led to six core principles guiding the redevelopment:
1)strengthening the branding of Scheveningen and The Hague as a seaside destination
2) ensuring free public access for all
3) offering a diverse program
4) adopting a sustainable and forward-looking approach
5) enhancing accessibility
6) making suitable additions to the iconic structure. These principles form the foundation of the design by architectural firm UNStudio.
Ben van Berkel, Founder and Principal Architect at UNStudio, explained: “Sustainability is central to every aspect of the design. Our aim is to create an attractive and future-proof Pier, with flexible spaces that can be used year-round by everyone. We have integrated the plan seamlessly into the urban landscape at all levels.” Following the presentation of the plans to the city council, expected in October 2024, the next steps in the redevelopment process will be taken later this year.
Securing the Future
The redevelopment of the Pier focuses on delivering a dynamic program of activities, available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, ensuring the Pier remains a vibrant destination for visitors, tourists, and guests throughout the year. A key objective is to create an energy-efficient Pier, ensuring its sustainable future. This includes the use of sustainable and recycled materials, energy-efficient installations, and flexible spaces that can adapt to future needs.
The most significant change will be the full utilization of the available space, creating a 35,000 m² landmark with flexible, multifunctional areas. The redevelopment plans reveal a stronger visual connection between the Pier’s islands, bringing back the arches and arcades of the original design.
On the Innovation Island, a large multifunctional space beneath the Ferris wheel will be used for both conferences and cultural events.
The Entertainment Island will feature an observation deck, restaurant/nightclub, coworking spaces, and entertainment options for all ages. On the Stay Island, a green rooftop park, a four-star hotel, and a wellness/spa accessible to all will be developed. The promenade will include retail, dining, and a family hotel with 33 rooms.
Finally, the entrance via Pier Square will be significantly enhanced, allowing the Pier to blend more naturally into its surroundings with a more organic appearance.
Images: Impression of the renewed Pier – by architects UNStudio.
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