The development of Rijnpark in Arnhem has taken another major step forward. On November 4, 2025, the Arnhem city council approved an Environmental Program for phase 1 and an environmental impact report (EIA) for the entire Rijnpark, marking significant progress towards realizing the new residential and work district in Spoorzone Arnhem-East. Research shows the plans are feasible and can be carefully implemented with attention to environment, health, and living conditions.

Rijnpark

In Rijnpark, living and working come together in a sustainable, green environment. Cars largely give way to cyclists and pedestrians. Historical elements are combined with modern residential towers overlooking the Rhine, the Veluwe, and the city center. The Spoorpark forms the green heart of Rijnpark.

Rijnpark is part of Spoorzone Arnhem-East: a new residential area with several vibrant neighborhoods and the Spoorpark as a green connection. With Spoorzone Arnhem-East, Arnhem gains a significant new part of the city. It offers space for 12,000 new homes – about 7,000 of which will be in Rijnpark – and around 20,000 new residents, as well as facilities that benefit the entire city. Rijnpark will also provide space for approximately 5,000 jobs.

Paul Smeulders, Alderman for Housing: “There is a housing crisis. Many people are looking for a home. Rijnpark, part of Spoorzone Arnhem-East, with 7,000 homes, is by far the largest housing project in the city. It is therefore important that we take this next step in the development of Rijnpark.”

Space for Employment

The municipality is working with owners, developers, and housing corporations on the developments. A plan of approach has been made for the transformation of the entire Spoorzone Arnhem-East. Companies in the area, especially in Rijnpark, will need different housing but remain important for employment in Arnhem. The municipality wants to work with these companies to find good new locations in the city.

Nermina Kundić, Alderman for Economy and Sustainable Mobility: “This is an ambitious project. That is why we want to collaborate intensively with property owners, developers, entrepreneurs, and housing corporations. Together we are building a new district with many homes and plenty of space for businesses. We also pay special attention to the companies already located in Rijnpark. They provide jobs and life in the city. It is sometimes a complex puzzle, but we are happy to solve it together.”

Development of the Next Phase

Because much progress has been made in phase 1, the council is starting phase 2. This is necessary to quickly build more homes for Arnhem. For phase 1, the municipality received more than 100 million euros from the national government to enable development. For phase 2, the council has now applied for funds again. The council is hopeful about the approval of these funds, with a decision expected soon.

Pre-emptive Right Rijnpark Phases 1 and 2

To take control of the development of Rijnpark phase 2, the council decided on November 4, 2025, to establish a provisional pre-emptive right for Rijnpark phase 2, just like in phase 1.

This means that owners of commercial properties, plots, and any homes in the entire plan area who want to sell must first offer them to the municipality. The Arnhem city council has three months from the publication date to confirm this pre-emptive right. At the same time, companies can object or submit opinions against the municipalitys plans. For Rijnpark phase 1, the pre-emptive right was automatically extended by 3 years with the decision on the Environmental Program.

All companies have received a letter about this. For entrepreneurs and owners in Rijnpark phase 2, walk-in meetings will be held on November 10 and 13 between 3:00 PM and 8:30 PM at Van Oldenbarneveldtstraat 119.