Reduction of CO₂ emissions and energy savings for Altera Retail Fund in 2024
With the commencement of the construction of Bloom Park on 3 March, the green light has been officially given for the creation of a car-free and sustainable Merwede. This urban district in Utrecht will be home to around 6,000 dwellings. The first project, Bloom Park, will be located in the northern part of Merwede, and will boast 189 homes: 85 owner-occupied homes and 104 rental homes. Real estate investor Altera has purchased the rental homes on behalf of the Altera Residential Fund, and 41 of these homes will be leased in the mid-range rental sector. Bloom Park is a development by Boelens de Gruyter and G&S&, and will be constructed by Janssen de Jong Bouw. Orion Investment Partners is involved as investment manager on behalf of the seller. The first of these homes are expected to be completed by the year 2027.
The design, by architectural firms INBO and ANA architects, is a translation of Merwede’s values: a sustainable, car-free and nature-inclusive urban district, with a focus on quality of living and meeting and exchanges. The buildings have been designed in such a way that every block has its own identity, use of materials, and colour. Every home has a view of the greenery, thanks to smart designs and the installation of spacious bay windows, loggias, balconies and terraces that create a strong connection to the outdoors. The courtyards have been designed to not only be aesthetically pleasing; they also contribute to liveability in a functional way. They provide space for meeting others, for relaxation and for playing outside.
Various price categories
Merwede will be home to people from all walks of life. Bloom Park will consist of a varied range of owner-occupied and rental homes in different price categories. For the rental homes, a partnership has been established with Altera, who will be the first in the area to manage 104 rental properties. Maarten de Gruyter, director of Boelens de Gruyter, had the following to share about this partnership: “We would like to congratulate Altera on the acquisition of 104 rental properties in Merwede. Determination and innovative solutions are needed to combat the housing crisis. Together we will ensure that Bloom Park demonstrates that we are not only constructing urgently-needed homes, but that we are also contributing to a sustainable and future-proof city.”
Altera CEO Jaap van der Bijl explains: “At Altera, we believe in the power of sustainable urban development. Districts such as Merwede contribute to a greener, healthier and more liveable city, which aligns with our strategy to invest in future-proof homes that are sustainable and energy-efficient. With the acquisition of 104 sustainable and affordable rental homes in Bloom Park – 41 of which are in the mid-range rental sector – we are taking an important step in the creation of an inclusive and sustainable urban neighbourhood.”
Sustainable urban district for Utrecht
In line with Merwede’s sustainable character, the district has been designed to include an advanced thermal energy storage facility and climate-adaptive buildings. All homes will be heated in a sustainable manner and will have energy label A+, which is almost entirely zero energy. Janssen de Jong Bouw is responsible for the construction of Bloom Park’s high-quality and sustainable homes. This is what Louis Camp, managing director of Housing at JAJO, had to say: “Merwede’s sustainable ambition fits in seamlessly with our construction method. With our focus on CO₂ reduction, minimal waste streams and future-proof materials, Janssen de Jong Bouw also contributes to the sustainability of this district during the construction process itself. Together we will bring the Merwede vision to life.”
