The municipal executive presents the city council with the results of the search process for a new location for large events. The feasibility study shows that Rijnenburg North is the only promising location among the 66 locations studied that meets the established criteria for a new location of at least 3 hectares, suitable for at least 10,000 visitors and a maximum of 12 days for large events per year. The proposal is not yet a decision on development; it is a factual conclusion of the study.
Utrecht is growing, increasing pressure on existing event locations. The coalition agreement therefore includes investigating if and where space is available for a new location for large events. The city has three outdoor locations for more than 10,000 visitors: Strijkviertel, Haarrijnseplas, and Park Transwijk, but no place for about 25,000 visitors. To continue providing space for large events in the future, a new large location is needed.
Research and Co-creating the City
The search process consisted of three phases and was conducted in 2024 and 2025. In total, 66 locations were investigated and tested against spatial, ecological, legal, logistical, and organizational criteria, as previously established by the municipal executive. In addition, extensive consultations were held with residents, neighbors of the locations, organizers, and other stakeholders. Through online surveys with a total of over 4,000 responses, street conversations, group discussions, and (extra) information evenings, ideas, concerns, and opportunities were collected and weighed.
Rijnenburg as a promising location
Of the 66 locations studied, three locations remained for in-depth research: Rijnenburg North, Park de Gagel, and the Hampoort recreation area. Most other locations were eliminated earlier in the process because, for example, they cannot host large events for 12 days per year.
The study shows that Rijnenburg North is the only promising location. The location could offer sufficient space, has the lowest noise pollution on surrounding homes, and offers possibilities for a future-proof design within the area development. There are also points of attention, such as current accessibility, ecological values, the marshy subsoil, and the need for cooperation with landowners, but the location also offers opportunities for multifunctional use.
Park de Gagel and the Hampoort recreation area are less suitable in various respects, partly because they scored lower on the size of the terrain criterion and due to too high noise pollution on surrounding homes.
Next steps
The municipal executive submits a proposal based on the research report to the city council, which is expected to make a decision in early 2026. It is proposed to include space for a new location for large events in the Rijnenburg 2026 Principles Note as part of the integral consideration of the area. This means that within the area development it will be determined if and how an event location fits here. This proposal concludes the search process for a new location for large events.
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