Today, the Municipality of Arnhem, PostNL, and NS Vastgoed marked the formal purchase of the PostNL complex during a meeting with the involved partners. With the acquisition of the land (approximately 4.5 hectares) by the municipality from PostNL and NS Vastgoed, the realization of Rijnparks first residential neighborhood, the Postbuurt, is a big step closer.
The purchase marks a crucial step in the area development of the new Rijnpark district, part of the Arnhem-East railway zone. Rijnpark will eventually have space for approximately 7,000 homes and about 5,000 jobs. Thanks to this strategic purchase, construction of the first homes is expected to start by the end of 2028. The transfer of the PostNL site and buildings will take place on September 1, 2026.
From past to future
The purchase was celebrated in the EKP building, on the former production floor. During a special program, guests traveled from past to present and then to the future of Rijnpark. With images, light, and music, it was shown how the historic building transforms into the beating heart of a new, green, and urban Arnhem: a place to live, work, and meet. Officials and directors of the involved parties briefly spoke.
Alderman Paul Smeulders: With this purchase, we show that Rijnpark is not just a paper plan but is becoming reality. Along the Rhine, a stones throw from the historic city center, we are creating a livable new neighborhood full of affordable homes, space for Arnhem entrepreneurs, and lots of greenery.
Cooperation and progress
The purchase is an important step in the cooperation between the Municipality of Arnhem, PostNL, Province of Gelderland, the national government, ProRail, NS, housing corporations, market parties, and other partners in the area. With this purchase, Arnhem shows concrete progress in Rijnpark and that construction can start on time. The iconic EKP building will have a new function within the Postbuurt in the future and will remain a recognizable part of the area.
Nermina Kundić, alderman for Economy: This will be a neighborhood where economy and sustainability reinforce each other. We create space for urban business activity and stimulate a new way of moving, with fewer cars and more space for walking, cycling, and public transport. Together, we are building a future-proof city.
PostNL will continue some of its activities in the forebuilding on the site. PostNL is currently exploring, in cooperation with the municipality, possibilities for alternative housing for these activities in the Arnhem area.