The past six months have seen important steps in the development of the Hague coast. The new Kijkduin has been largely completed, new plans for the Pier have been presented and the contours of the new Middenboulevard on Scheveningen are becoming increasingly visible. These steps, and more, are reported every six months by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to the municipal council in the ‘ Progress Report Healthy Coast ‘.
Alderman Robert van Asten (Urban Development): “We are investing heavily in the development of the Hague coast. We are doing this together with everyone who is committed to this. Think of the entrepreneurs on the boulevard and on the beach and the parties who are committed to the developments around Kijkduin, the Pier and in the harbour. We will all continue to roll up our sleeves to keep The Hague that beautiful city by the sea.”
New plans for the Pier
On September 10, De Pier BV, the current developer of the Pier, presented new plans for the future of the Pier. This happened after a two-year participation process with local residents, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders. The plans for the renovated Pier include a combination of retail, entertainment, a small-scale family hotel, a four-star hotel and a multifunctional space for both culture and conferences. The developer wants to start the major renovation in early 2026.
The plan has been submitted to the municipality, because it deviates from the zoning plan on a number of points. The board of mayor and aldermen will soon come up with a substantive response to the plans.
Alderman Van Asten: “The Pier is an icon for Scheveningen and The Hague with international fame. We want to preserve it for the city and keep it accessible for everyone. The Pier can start to bustle again. We are happy that there are parties who want to put their shoulders to the wheel. The current situation is not sustainable for much longer. Literally, because in a number of places the construction of the Pier is in poor condition.”
New Kijkduin almost finished with return of icon
Early August, the Nieuwe Kijkduin was completed, including the boulevard and the Deltaplein. Kijkduin is being developed into a lively, green and relaxing seaside resort. The largest part of the new shopping centre is now open, with catering, apartments and an underground parking garage. The last apartments were completed this spring. The new underground (free) bicycle shed is also open, with space for approximately 500 bicycles.
At the request of Kijkduinse entrepreneurs, the work on Lage Deltaplein has been postponed until after the high season. This work was actually supposed to be carried out in July. In the week of 14 October, the work on Lage Deltaplein will start after all. This will be completed by the end of November 2024.
On July 8, the iconic lighthouse also returned to Kijkduin. With that, Kuikduin got an ‘old friend’ back after years. The play boat will also be placed back on the boulevard. A replica of this is currently being made. In addition, new plans are being made for the Atlantic Hotel. The ambition of the new owner is to start the redevelopment in the second quarter of 2025.
Renovation of Middenboulevard
The renovation of the Middenboulevard started in early January. In the heart of the seaside resort between the Pier, the Kurhaus and Museum Beelden aan Zee, the boulevard is being renovated and widened. The new boulevard will be approximately 10 metres wider and a lot greener. There will also be a square in front of the Kurhaus with a wide staircase and ramps to the beach. The work is expected to last until the summer of 2025.
The contours of the widened boulevard are becoming increasingly visible, such as the new retaining wall and the first sections of natural stone. The beach pavilions will be completed in the coming period and the work will shift from the beach side to the boulevard. The paving will be renewed and the natural stone laid. Work will be carried out from the Kurhaus towards the Museum Beelden aan Zee.
In November 2022, work on the Middenboulevard had to be suddenly halted due to the nitrogen ruling of the Council of State. It was already known then that this would lead to additional costs. These costs are now estimated at 6.9 million euros. This includes the storage of building materials, the creation of new plans and contracts with third parties and subcontractors that had to be extended or terminated.
Alderman Van Asten: “We have known for a long time that the nitrogen ruling would lead to more costs. This project in The Hague was hit hardest by the ruling. It is a bill from the past, but one that we are going to pay to give Scheveningen the new boulevard it deserves.”
Image 2: The lighthouse is being replaced at Kijkduin.
Featured Image: New situation Scheveningen boulevard near Kurhaus.
Zestee 