Utrecht has charm and atmosphere. Say Utrecht and you say Oudegracht and the Dom. The wharf cellars and our historic centre make Utrecht a much-loved city. A small but lovely centre. But Utrecht is more than a cute, pretty centre. Utrecht also has some rugged bits. I once called Rotsoord the Meatpacking District of Utrecht. But the Merwedekanaalzone is another of those rugged bits of Utrecht. And don't forget the new Wisselspoor neighbourhood or the Werkspoorkwartier. These bits of Utrecht are creative and a little less polished. I love it!
Contents
- European allure
- Werkspoorkwartier
- Rotsoord
- Merwedekanaalzone
- The nicest and most special places
- Sustainability, creativity and innovation
European allure
These areas can be compared with, for example, Kreuzberg and Neukölln in Berlin. These areas are known for their creative businesses and hip bars and restaurants. Shoreditch and Hackney in London are comparable too. In Copenhagen you have the similar areas of Refshaleøen and the Meatpacking District. This used to be an industrial area. But now it has been transformed into a vibrant neighbourhood. Old industrial areas in particular are good for transforming into vibrant neighbourhoods with creative businesses and good bars and restaurants. This contributes to liveability and to a good atmosphere in the city. Transforming areas like these is also sustainable. Things are reused and the infrastructure is often already in place. A rugged bit of city like this makes a city more inclusive. There's more room for different functions.
Werkspoorkwartier
The Werkspoorkwartier, once an industrial estate for Werkspoor. Now an up-and-coming area that is becoming increasingly popular with young professionals and creative entrepreneurs. But why would you want to live nearby?
- Industrial atmosphere: The Werkspoorkwartier was once an industrial area where Werkspoor, a well-known Dutch manufacturer of trains and ship engines, was based. The neighbourhood still has an industrial atmosphere, but with a modern twist. It's a rugged bit of city where you'll find lots of old factory buildings and warehouses that have been converted into homes, offices and creative workspaces. Did you know that a great hotel is even coming here?
- Cultural hotspot: The Werkspoorkwartier is increasingly being developed into a cultural hotspot. Lots of creative businesses are based here and events are organised regularly. There's a weekly cultural programme, for instance, and the Werkspoorkathedraal is a popular venue for events. Have you seen the new terrace on the water yet? It'll make you happy. More and more great bars and restaurants are opening.
- New build: Near the Werkspoorkwartier lies Wisselspoor, a sustainable new-build neighbourhood with lots of greenery and water. The homes are modern and have every convenience. A lot of attention has been paid to the liveability of the neighbourhood, including a park and a community centre. And the Cartesiusdriehoek is just across the way too. Rental and owner-occupied homes, something for everyone.
Rotsoord
From an abandoned industrial estate to one of the cosiest bits of Utrecht. Things can move fast. Rotsoord is hip. Why would you want to live near Rotsoord, you ask?
- Industrial atmosphere: Rotsoord was once an industrial area where lots of factories and workshops were based. The neighbourhood still has an industrial atmosphere, but with a modern twist. It's a rugged bit of city where you'll find lots of old factory buildings and warehouses that have been converted into homes, offices and creative workspaces. Think, for example, of the old Pastoe factory, which is now home to a restaurant. But you can still feel the atmosphere
- Cultural hotspot: Rotsoord is a cultural hotspot where lots of creative businesses and artists are based. There are regular events and exhibitions to visit. There are also lots of nice cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy good food and drink. Do you know LE:EN yet? Here you eat very special Asian tapas. Special ingredients and very special drinks too. You'll definitely find something that makes your heart beat faster. WT Urban Kitchen is another one you have to see some time. This restaurant is on the 9th and 10th floors of the Watertoren (water tower) and offers you 360-degree views over the whole of Utrecht
- Accessibility: Rotsoord is easy to reach by public transport and by bike. The centre of Utrecht is close by and Amsterdam is easy to reach too. Several bus and tram lines run through the neighbourhood. A few minutes' walk and you're at Vaartsche Rijn station
- Greenery: Despite the industrial atmosphere, there's also plenty of greenery in Rotsoord. There's the large De Helling park, for instance, and there are various green squares and courtyard gardens. Here you can relax and enjoy nature. You'll even find a petting farm here
Merwedekanaalzone
Merwedekanaalzone is a green and sustainable urban district in the heart of Utrecht. The neighbourhood is popular. The homes are relatively expensive. As a result, it's mainly young professionals and families who come to live here. But why is the neighbourhood so popular?
- Rugged city blocks: Merwedekanaalzone is made up of rugged city blocks that are each unique in their own right. The neighbourhood has its own identity and, because of its size and density, is a unique environment
- Sustainability: Merwedekanaalzone is a sustainable neighbourhood with lots of greenery and water. A lot of attention is paid to a healthy and sustainable environment with plenty of greenery. There will also be shops, bars and restaurants, jobs, schools and healthcare for the new and current residents of the city. It will be a low-traffic residential neighbourhood
- Mix of homes: Merwedekanaalzone will have a mix of (social) rental and owner-occupied homes for first-time buyers, families, older people and singles. The aim is a good balance between residents, but also between accessibility and greenery in and around the city
- Accessibility: Merwedekanaalzone is easy to reach by public transport and by bike. The centre of Utrecht is close by. Cross the bridge and you're at Mariaplaats. Amsterdam is easy to reach too. Several bus and tram lines run through the neighbourhood
- Coulissestad: Merwedekanaalzone is also called the Coulissestad ("stage-set city") because of its recognisable character and unique cityscape.
The nicest and most special places
Along the Merwedekanaal you'll find really great bars and restaurants. But you'll also find an art theatre, for example. Kanaal30 has luxury office and studio spaces. But also two halls with unusual workspaces in containers, greenhouses and site huts. Photographers, designers and video makers work there. But also a trend watcher, animators and jewellery makers. You'll even find a music studio and an illusionist.
Sustainability, creativity and innovation
It's important to find innovative solutions in these areas, such as using local products in bars and restaurants and encouraging sustainable transport. These really are neighbourhoods with character. Creative and innovative entrepreneurs, reuse of materials and functions, and yet close to the city. These neighbourhoods give Utrecht character, from a small village to a city with lots of potential. Fortunately, Utrecht still stays a bit of our own Utrecht too. The bars and restaurants are nice, small and homely, but really good. Would you like to live close to one of these great neighbourhoods? Then keep an eye on our listings. Lots of lovely homes are on their way.
