Inclusive neighbourhood with industrial character: LEVS designs Wisselspoor III

In Utrecht, a new urban area arises on the site of the former railway worksite, northwest of the Central Station. With Wisselspoor III, VORM and LEVS are taking the next step in the transformation of the old site: from a workplace for trains to a living space for people.

New neighbourhood, rugged foundation

Wisselspoor III forms the final piece of the development of the former railway area. The neighbourhood will have a strong industrial identity, building on the character of the earlier phases I and IV. As a connecting link, this sub-area brings variation and layering to the urban planning. Different architects are collaborating on the neighborhood, creating a rich palette of atmospheres and experiences.

Living car-free, with space for social encounters

At the heart of the design is the mobility concept: a shared underground parking facility absorbs the vibrations from the tracks and makes the neighbourhood completely car-free at the surface. This creates space for greenery, climate-adaptive outdoor areas and a network of safe streets and squares. The design emphasizes social encounters – with places where children can play, neighbors can meet, and families can feel at home.

Diverse living in an inclusive neighborhood

With 512 homes in various typologies, from city apartments to family houses with gardens, Wisselspoor III offers space for residents in all stages of life. Affordable ownership and social rental make it possible for starters, families, and seniors to live side by side here. This diversity gives the neighborhood a strong social foundation, where shared gardens and green gathering spaces enrich daily life. Thus, a neighborhood is growing here that not only builds on the industrial railway history but also forms a future-oriented living space for diverse families and communities.