Leusden transforms De Korf into cultural hub with new housing and sports facilities
Residents of Leusden can look forward to a revitalized De Korf area, featuring a new cultural centre, affordable housing, and improved recreational spaces. The municipal council’s approval paves the way for modern facilities while preserving community access and green areas.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Redevelopment of De Korf and Burgemeester Buiningpark |
| Location | Leusden, Utrecht province |
| New Facilities | Cultural centre (library, theatre, education), housing, sports hall |
| Housing Requirements | 30% social housing, ≥33% affordable rental/owner-occupied homes |
| Hospitality & Recreation | 850 m² for hospitality, bowling/recreation (bowling alley preferred) |
| Parking Policy | Demand-driven parking; no paid parking, blue zones remain |
| Funding Allocated | €1.5M for cultural centre design, €1.5M for sports hall and park vision |
| Next Steps | Spatial model development, tendering, and stakeholder collaboration |
The municipal council of Leusden is responsible for urban planning and community development, ensuring that local infrastructure meets the needs of residents. This project reflects the council’s role in balancing cultural, recreational, and housing demands while fostering sustainable growth.
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De Nieuwe Korf One Step Closer
The municipal council unanimously approved an amended council proposal regarding De Nieuwe Korf on Thursday, 29 January 2026.
The existing buildings will be replaced by new facilities and housing. A replacement sports hall will be built at Burgemeester Buiningpark. With this council decision, the project organisation will receive the necessary resources to continue working on further planning for De Korf and Burgemeester Buiningpark. Spatial and programmatic principles for the De Korf location have also been established.
Key Points from the Council Decision
The council decision included no fewer than 10 points. Among other things, the municipal council has established the following principles for the redevelopment of the area around De Korf:
- A new cultural centre will be built on the current site of De Korf, featuring a library, cultural education facilities, and a theatre hall. A set of requirements for this new building will be drawn up in the coming period.
- The area will accommodate as many homes as can be carefully integrated. The municipal housing vision stipulates that 30% should be social housing and at least 33% should be affordable rental or owner-occupied homes.
- Approximately 850 m² of space will be allocated for hospitality and bowling/recreation. Preserving the bowling alley is preferred, but alternative uses remain possible if future circumstances require it.
- A sufficient number of parking spaces will be provided to maintain demand-driven parking policy; blue zones will remain, and paid parking will not be introduced.
- No new sports hall will be built on the De Korf site. The replacement sports hall will be constructed at Burgemeester Buiningpark, with the exact location to be determined later. Research will be conducted into whether a multifunctional gymnasium is needed for physical education.
- The area will feature a high-quality green recreational space.
- The ‘Rondje Centrum’ (Central Loop) will be completed and improved.
- Buildings will be designed to blend seamlessly with the street and public space.
- A programmable public space will be created for social and community activities.
- The entrance to the centre will be enhanced with a distinctive height accent.
- The Smidse will become an attractive cycling and recreational street.
Council Also Allocates Financial Resources
In addition to the spatial and programmatic principles, the municipal council decided to allocate €1.5 million for developing a spatial model, including the design and tendering process for the cultural centre, hospitality venues, and bowling alley.
Another €1.5 million has been earmarked for an integrated vision for Burgemeester Buiningpark and Jan Banninkpark, including preparations for the new sports hall. A permanent council working group for De Korf will also be established. The full council decision can be found at: 01 - De Nieuwe Korf, Gemeente Leusden.
Two Motions
In addition to the amendment, two motions were submitted. One requested additional exploratory research into an additional scenario (“scenario C”), and the other proposed investigating whether appointing a ‘connector’ would be desirable. Both motions were adopted by a majority.
Response from Alderman De Wit
“It was a tense moment when the council decided in November to postpone the consideration of the council proposal. Since November, the executive board and project team, together with the council, have worked hard to reach a consensus decision. At the council’s request, we explored additional matters, which provided better insight into the opportunities for redeveloping De Korf. We also gained a clear understanding of the space available at Burgemeester Buiningpark to accommodate the sports hall and potentially other ambitions. We can now work with the sports clubs to develop a redevelopment plan without delay. The council has made a tremendous effort to absorb all this information and contribute ideas, resulting in valuable input. Ultimately, the outcome is a council decision with broad support. I am pleased that we can move forward and look forward to taking the next steps together with the stakeholders.”
More information is available on the De Nieuwe Korf project page.