Athora and Edge will transform Hojel City Center office complex into a green and sustainable mixed-use district

Hojel City Center, the office complex located at the corner of Graadt van Roggenweg and Croeselaan, will be transformed over the coming years into a green and accessible area, featuring sustainable office and residential buildings. On April 9, the Utrecht Executive Board released the framework for a joint development plan by the Municipality of Utrecht, owner Athora Netherlands, and developer Edge for public consultation.

The intention is for the existing office complex to be transformed into an area with 425 residential units and approximately 70,000 m² of office space, spread across various buildings with a lively ground-floor layout. The new design of Hojel ensures good connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists to Beurskwartier, the expansion of the city center of Utrecht on the west side of the city. The current service street of Hojel will be converted into a vibrant, car-free urban street between Jaarbeursplein, Beurskwartier, and Hojel. Parking will be concentrated in the existing parking garage on the premises.

The plan has high ambitions for sustainability, circularity, and the quality of public space. This includes energy-efficient buildings, green public spaces, rooftop terraces, biodiversity, climate resilience, and the reuse of existing materials and structures. The housing program consists of 65% affordable homes.

As the plan is now released for consultation, stakeholders can provide feedback and suggestions to ensure the plan aligns as closely as possible with the needs and wishes of the community. After the consultation, the City Council will present the Urban Planning Requirements (SPvE) to the city council. The expectation is that they will approve the SPvE by the end of this year. Construction of the first phase, consisting of two office buildings, is expected to begin in late 2026.

The redevelopment of Hojel is an important step in our sustainability strategy. It shows how we contribute to society by creating high-quality, sustainable office space and affordable housing, said Jan de Pooter, CEO of Athora Netherlands.

This project reflects our vision to develop sustainable, future-focused districts that bring communities together, said Boudewijn Ruitenberg, COO of Edge.