Eindhoven region transforms Gulbergen into green urban park with natural burials
Residents of the Eindhoven region will soon enjoy a new 170-hectare green space for walking, cycling, and natural burials. The development of Gulbergen aims to provide a nature retreat amid growing urban pressure, benefiting thousands in Noord-Brabant.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern side of Landgoed Gulbergen, between A270 and Eindhoven-Helmond railway |
| Total Area | 170 hectares (part of 325-hectare estate) |
| New Owner | Landgoed Heidehof (in collaboration with Natuurbegraafplaatsen van Waarde) |
| Nature Management Experience | Over 1,000 hectares across the Netherlands |
| Key Features | Nature restoration, walking/recreation, natural burials, agriculture |
| Next Steps | Purchase agreement finalization by summer 2026 |
| Municipalities Involved | 21 in Metropoolregio Eindhoven |
The Metropoolregio Eindhoven (MRE) is responsible for regional spatial planning and development, ensuring sustainable growth and quality of life for residents. This project aligns with their goal to balance urban expansion with accessible green spaces and nature conservation.
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Plans for the northern side of Gulbergen: nature development and natural burials
A new party is now involved in the northern part of Landgoed Gulbergen. The Metropoolregio Eindhoven (MRE) intends to sell this section to Landgoed Heidehof. They plan to develop and manage the area together with Natuurbegraafplaatsen van Waarde.
This move brings the development of Gulbergen as a green regional urban park one step closer. The area in question covers approximately 170 hectares on the northern side of the estate, situated between the A270 and the Eindhoven-Helmond railway line. In total, Landgoed Gulbergen spans about 325 hectares and is located between Eindhoven, Helmond, Nuenen, and Geldrop-Mierlo.
Important step
The 21 municipalities in the Metropoolregio Eindhoven have been working on plans for the future of Gulbergen for several years. The goal is to create a large green area where residents can walk, cycle, and enjoy nature and landscapes, providing a counterbalance to the increasing pressure in the region. “With Landgoed Heidehof, we have found an experienced and reliable partner who will give shape to what the region envisions for Gulbergen. The proposed sale of the northern section is a major step in the development of the estate into a regional urban park,” says project leader Judith Keijzers.
Nature development
Landgoed Heidehof already manages over 1,000 hectares of nature in the Netherlands and has experience with nature development and nature-inclusive agriculture. At Gulbergen, they aim to restore and develop nature, promote nature-inclusive agriculture, create opportunities for walking and recreation, and provide space for remembrance in nature. “The northern side of Gulbergen forms an important connection between the Strabrechtse Heide and the Stiphoutse Bossen. We are pleased to be able to strengthen this link,” says Bram Calkhoven of Landgoed Heidehof.
Natural burials
The plans also include space for natural burials, where the landscape retains a natural destination and the area remains protected. Landgoed Heidehof is collaborating with Natuurbegraafplaatsen van Waarde, an organization with experience in multiple locations across the Netherlands.
What’s next?
In the coming months, Landgoed Heidehof and the MRE will finalize the purchase agreement. The MRE board is expected to make a decision around the summer, after which the transfer of the land can take place.