The Wielewaal Estate will open on Saturday, September 27. The Municipality of Eindhoven purchased the Wielewaal in 2022, aiming to make the estate accessible to everyone. Previous agreements between the heirs of Philips and the former owner meant that the opening was not possible before April 2032. As a result of constructive discussions and agreements between the Municipality of Eindhoven and the heirs of Philips, the estate can open this year. The public interest in more public green space is the starting point.
Councilor Rik Thijs: It is fantastic that agreements have been made with the heirs, so that the important Philips heritage will soon be accessible to all Eindhoven residents.
Earlier opening
The agreement between the former owner and the heirs of Philips remained in effect even when the municipality purchased the estate. Therefore, discussions were held with the heirs to see if the area could open earlier. Those discussions went well. The municipality and the heirs of Philips also immediately made agreements about other parcels owned by the heirs.
Frits Philips Jr.: It fits the spirit and intentions of my parents, Frits and Sylvia Philips-Van Lennep, to make the Wielewaal accessible to the residents of Eindhoven and surrounding areas. Especially in an era where people retreat into their own world, it is more important than ever that connection with nature and with each other gets more opportunities. The opening of the Wielewaal fits well with that. We are pleased that we can take this beautiful step together with the municipality and share this unique and historical place with the people of Eindhoven.
Peace and privacy
Good agreements have been made to ensure the peace, privacy, and safety of residents and visitors on the estate. Fences will be erected around parcels next to the walking area, and it has been agreed what is not allowed in the Wielewaal: no mountain bikes, no motor vehicles, no camping sites or sports fields, and no large events. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. These agreements fit with the content of the Development Vision Lichtbos, which was approved by the municipal council in February 2024.
Purchase of parcels
The municipality has also purchased land from the heirs of Philips. This allows Eindhoven Northwest - and especially the Lichtbos - to further develop. It concerns parcels along the following roads:
- Mispelhoefstraat - Here there will be space for water storage for the GDC-North business park.
- Oirschotsedijk - Here a bicycle bridge will be built as part of the cycling connection Green Corridor.
- Oirschotsedijk / around the Philips Fruit Garden - These lands border the Wielewaal Estate and are part of the Lichtbos, including a wandering path.
- Anthony Fokkerweg - These forest lands next to the Novotel belong to the Nature Network Brabant. There is no plan for that, but it fits into the Development Vision where nature plays an important role.
Investment
Making this historic step towards the opening of the estate is an investment in the future. The total investment for the agreements with the heirs amounts to 2.3 million euros, for which the municipality is also purchasing some parcels. In addition, agreements have been made regarding privacy measures such as placing fences around private parcels on the Wielewaal Estate.