The Amazonekwartier in Overvecht is becoming greener, safer for traffic, and better prepared for extreme weather conditions. Additionally, new play and sports areas will be created where everyone can enjoy sports and play. All this is included in the preliminary design (VO) approved by the municipal executive board.
Alderman Susanne Schilderman (Public Space, Climate Adaptation): “Throughout Utrecht, we are working on a green and future-proof public space. The Amazonekwartier is one of the first neighborhoods in Overvecht to be redesigned. Together with residents, a design has been developed for a neighborhood where people meet, can move, and where children can play happily. There will be more greenery, three renewed playgrounds, a footvolley field, and new sports equipment. With the new layout, we take a nice step towards an even livelier and greener Overvecht.”
Green and future-proof
The Amazonekwartier is one of the first neighborhoods in Overvecht where the sewer system will be renewed. Rainwater and wastewater will be separated, reducing the chance of flooding after heavy rainfall. In total, approximately 1.5 hectares of extra greenery will be added, including wadi’s, flower-rich grass, nearly 150 extra trees, and improved ecological connections. This amounts to about 13 m² extra greenery per home.
By combining the works, the street only needs to be opened once, saving costs and limiting inconvenience for residents. The design also pays attention to the reuse of materials. For example, parking spaces will be made with reused concrete pavers from existing parking spots.
Impression of the final plans for Incadreef in the Amazonekwartier
Attention to traffic safety
Besides sewer renewal, the area will be designed as a 30 km/h zone with more space for pedestrians and cyclists. All lanes will be narrowed and speed bumps added. The Incadreef will partly be designed as a bicycle street. The bus gate in Amazonedreef will be removed and bike lanes will be added to the carriageway. The entire design pays more attention to pedestrian routes, making crossings safer.
Important improvements in the design
The design is a further elaboration of the plans from May 2025. Since then, the plan has been refined on several points, partly thanks to input from residents and involved organizations. Together with residents, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, improvements in play, sport, and greenery have been worked on. This has led to, among other things:
Designs for new playgrounds, each with its own theme;
A new footvolley field;
Sports equipment in several locations;
More greenery along facades and walls;
More living space for animals through better ecological connections.
Investing together in Overvecht
The project is made possible in part by contributions from the neighborhood approach Samen voor Overvecht, the Regio Deal Vitale Wijken, and the Woontop. In total, 22.7 million euros will be invested in the public space around the Amazonekwartier.
The project now moves on to the next design phase. Then the permit procedures will follow. Execution is expected to start in 2027 and continue through 2028.
More information can be found at: www.utrecht.nl/amazonekwartier