Catharijnesingel

In the 20th century, the Catharijnesingel was replaced by the Catharijnebaan—an asphalt-heavy highway cutting through Utrecht’s centre. When the chance came to reverse this, the city embraced a broader vision: restoring the historic canal and creating a green, natural park route through one of the busiest areas in the Netherlands.

This transformation marks the culmination of a 20-year effort to revive the city canal—not just as a historical restoration, but as a key element in reimagining the station area. The new Catharijnesingel blends past and present while supporting a climate-resilient, pedestrian-friendly urban environment.

The Catharijnesingel traces its roots back 900 years, to 1122, when Utrecht received city rights and constructed its five-kilometre outer canal. It played a vital role in the city’s growth. By the 19th century, as the city's defenses became obsolete, parts of the canal zone were transformed into a park by landscape architect Jan David Zocher. In 1958, car-centric planning threatened its existence, and parts of the canal were filled in for a motorway in 1969. Still, restoration efforts persisted. A 2002 referendum confirmed public support, leading to the return of the waterway and a new park design that honors Zocher’s vision while integrating modern ecological principles.

This project supports the broader vision of a “Connected City,” where barriers between urban districts are removed and walking, cycling, and biodiversity are prioritised. The restored canal now serves as a climate-adaptive backbone for the city centre, helping mitigate heat stress and manage stormwater, while enhancing public space.

Ongoing renewal efforts in the city centre focus on reducing car traffic and improving walkability. The Catharijnesingel’s design balances heritage with nature, offering a vibrant, inclusive space that encourages recreation, biodiversity, and sustainable urban living.