Changing public space

Table 6.6 Timeline of developments at the Statenplein
Year
Developments
1962 Origin of the Statenplein as result of demolition activities
1965 Widening of the Sarisgang
1972 After the demolition was stopped, ideas arose to reduce the size of the Statenplein. Two plans
favoured the construction of a new building on the square, a third plan proposed multiple kiosks. The
third idea gained most support from local entrepreneurs.
1974 Opening of the renewed Statenplein with kiosks
1990 The urban development department appointed architect Hoogstad to make a new design for the
Statenplein. Local entrepreneurs opposed his plan, which was eventually turned down.
1991 Construction and opening of shopping centre Drievriendenhof
1991 Leyten & Brand was selected to develop the Statenplein. Three architectural agencies presented a
new design: Reijers, Gunnar Daan and Cepezed. Daan’s plan was selected.
1993 Leyten & Brand and Gunnar Daan stated they are unable to develop an economically feasible plan
that fits into Dordrecht’s urban structure.
1993 Department store V&D and developer Multi presented a plan for the Statenplein
1996 Publication of the business plan (Ondernemingsplan), creation of the new Task Force City Centre
(Programma Bureau Binnenstad), formulation of a declaration of intent with Multi as risk sharing
developer and a programme of demands (Programma van Eisen)
1997 Publication of the Masterplan Statenplein and selection of (landscape) architects
1999 The city council made the final decision to start the redevelopment of the Statenplein. V&D
immediately started with the renovation of its department store.
2001 Opening of the Nieuwe Blok
2002 Redevelopment of the Gevulde Gracht and the Statenplein
2006 Redevelopment of shopping centre Drievriendenhof
Source: based on Bouman (2007) and Interviews (2006)
Three other important changes took place in 1996. First, a new team called Task Force City
Centre (Programma Bureau Binnenstad) was set up within the local government. The agency
was separated from the department of urban development and was specifically responsible for
redevelopment of the city centre. Second, the council gave permission to sign a declaration
of intent with Multi as risk taking developer. Also, agreements were made between the local
government and real estate owners Achmea and Vendex (Bouman, 2007). Third, a programme of
demands (Programma van Eisen) was set up by the city council, which resulted in the formulation
of the Masterplan Statenplein in 1997 (Gemeente Dordrecht, 1997). The master plan included the
redevelopment of the Statenplein, Kolfstraat, Sarisgang, Achterom, and Bagijnhof (see Figure
6.10). The plan emphasised to make the whole area car free, except for deliveries within fixed
hours. A bicycle shed for 1500 bicycles was planned in the basement of the V&D, which had
become redundant due to smaller stocks. The master plan did not include a parking garage
underneath the Statenplein, although the association of entrepreneurs had been advocating this.
With regard to retail and design, the 1997 master plan focussed on strengthening the shopping
quadrant of Dordrecht. The Kolfstraat had become an unattractive alley to pass, the kiosks on
the Statenplein were obstacles, and the entrance of shopping centre the Drievriendenhof was
unattractive. These issues needed to be resolved. Initially, the inhabitants of Dordrecht disliked
the new plans, but the criticism stopped after many rounds of consultation and hearings. The city
council decided to start the redevelopment of the Statenplein in January 1999.
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