Ballast Nedam Development wins Sustainable Residential Development Award for the Green Avenue in Maastricht

The assessment was conducted by 80 international jury members that consist of industry experts only. Winning the award for the Green Avenue Maastricht is a confirmation of the international impact that the urban development makes and highlights a true icon for the Netherlands and beyond. The Green Avenue is also an example of incorporating health, well-being and expanding the ever-growing social benefits in surrounding neighborhoods too.

Trendsetting in the Netherlands and beyond

Onno Dwars, Director of Ballast Nedam Development: “The Green Avenue in Maastricht shows the need for investing in quality of life in dense urban areas. Transforming the challenges of inner-city infrastructure into a high-quality residential, work- and living area is also an inspiration for other cities such as Antwerp, Brussels and even Paris. This urban development is a step forward towards our ultimate common goal of delivering fully circular urban developments throughout Europe by 2050.

Onno continues: "The Green Avenue Maastricht scores high on social inclusivity, zero energy homes, circularity, architectural diversity, biodiversity and, above all, healthy indoor and outdoor air. This sustainable urban development is trend-setting at the European level. It is an international example of how to turn extreme pollution into a healthy living environment that benefits society as a whole.”

Partnerships are key

The Sustainable Residential Development award is presented annually to urban developers. However,  strong partnerships and collaborations with governments, infrastructure and construction companies. have been key throughout the process. Many charity organizations and NGO’s have embraced the project and realized many social initiatives at the Green Avenue.

Louis Prompers, Governmental Project Director A2 Highway Project Maastricht: “The cooperation between private and public parties pays off in order to achieve the greatest possible social return. Consistent management and having a jointly formulated comprehensive ambition is our formula for success. ”

Social return

Alderman of the Municipality of Maastricht and Governmental Chairman of the A2 Highway Project Gert-Jan Krabbendam also calls the Green Avenue a true boost when it comes to social return. “Thanks to the tunnel, an important barrier in Maastricht has disappeared, air quality has been greatly improved and the city has become more accessible. But the real return was created on ground level for the people’s well-being at the Green Avenue and its surroundings. We have moved nature into the city; enhancing our climate ambitions and prevention of heat stress or flooding. On the Green Avenue you will meet Maastricht’s residents of all shapes and sizes, ages, origins and cultures. A new part of Maastricht with the soul of the local community that will only get better.”