Stadhuisplein

Purmerend is experiencing growth. To increase the quality of life in the city centre and the mobility issues associated with this, the municipality wishes to find a new parking solution near the town hall. With accessibility as the main condition, the original plan included a multistorey car park. Karres en Brands came up with a new idea and after engaged discussions with the city, residents, and stakeholders, the decision was made to build the car park completely underground. This maintains the desired accessibility and creates space for a lively and green square.

The developments on the Stadhuisplein square contribute to the ambitions that Purmerend has for the coming decades. The Stadhuisplein square will be the entrance square to the city and will create more synergy between the future station area and the city centre to form one large city centre area. Important pillars of this aim are safe and pleasant slow traffic routes through the area and the addition of greenery and a wadi to the public space. By making the square car-free, space is created to better connect the town hall to the city and its residents.

The visitor flows move naturally across the square with a more leisurely and dynamic side. Additionally, the square can also be used flexibly for a range of events such as temporary art installations. By connecting to existing paths, the square is made to better match its current surroundings and connects existing walking routes, making the square an important neighbourhood meeting point.

The Stadhuisplein square will become a worthy entrance to the town hall and the city. The soft lines of the square, executed in different shades of concrete paving stones, give the square a friendly appearance and, with the addition of mature trees, native plants, and sturdy seating, offer space for interactions and cooling down. Due to the slope of the square and the addition of trees to the car park, the square is given the appearance of a green oasis. The square is climate adaptive and is prepared for peak rainfall. Water is collected from the roof of the car park and the addition of the wadi.