De Groene Loper is one of the most far-reaching area transformations in Maastricht. With the A2 being placed in a tunnel and the creation of a 2.5-kilometre-long urban park, the city not only gained high-quality public space, but also a new connection between neighbourhoods that had been separated for years. What was once a busy traffic artery has been transformed into an attractive urban district where quality of life takes centre stage.An area still developingThe foundations for De Groene Loper were laid with the completion of the tunnel in 2016 and the construction of the public space in 2017 and 2018. Since 2018, development of the area has continued in phases. Over the past three years, among others, Fleur, Miller, Amelie, Jolie, Gastenhuis and Laan van Bellevue have been completed.In total, De Groene Loper comprises approximately 1,200 homes, around 600 of which have now been realised. The programme consists of a mix of apartments and ground-level homes, including social rent, mid-market rent and owner-occupied (free-sector) housing, supplemented with amenities, hospitality and space for commercial real estate.

Quality from the start
A defining feature of De Groene Loper is its integrated approach. Public space, housing, architecture, sustainability and liveability have been developed in cohesion from the very beginning. A deliberate choice was made to create the public space early on. As a result, new residents benefited from a green, high-quality living environment from day one, and the area immediately gained a strong identity.This approach has contributed to an urban district that not only adds spatial quality, but is also visibly and tangibly valuable for Maastricht.

Collaboration as the foundation
An important foundation under De Groene Loper is the intensive collaboration between public and private parties. This approach is also known as the “Maastricht Model”: a way of working together with short lines, transparency and shared responsibility for the end result.Within De Groene Loper, Ballast Nedam Development, the Municipality of Maastricht and various partners work together on a complex challenge in which infrastructure and area development are inseparably linked. Parties involved include Laudy, West 8, MartensWillems architecten, Strukton, Wonen Limburg and Servatius.

Recognition for an area with lasting value
The nomination for the NEPROM Award is recognition of an area development in which vision, courage, collaboration and a strong focus on quality come together. De Groene Loper demonstrates how a complex challenge can grow into a place that adds lasting value to the city—for residents, visitors and future generations.The winner of the NEPROM Award for Location Development 2026 will be announced during the Day of Project Development on 7 May in Nieuwegein.

https://www.wonenaandegroeneloper.nl/