New park in Haarlem at Dome Cathedral Nieuwe Bavo

Square at Dome Cathedral Nieuwe Bavo becomes park.

The Bishop Bottemanne Square near the Cathedral Basilica St Bavo is getting a metamorphosis. What is currently a stone plain will soon become a city park. Neighbours of the KoepelKathedraal have been fighting for more greenery for years.

The park should become a place where residents can meet. There will be places to sit and play. A total of 24 new trees will be added, visible from all the houses around the square. In summer, the trees will provide shade and coolness. The new city park will have an (invisible) water buffer. During heavy rainfall, this will reduce the amount of water entering the sewers.

Sketch of what the square will look like from the cathedral.
Artist impression of the new park behind the domed cathedral.

Fewer cars

From now on, cars will be guests and there will be one-way traffic. The parking area for coaches will be relocated. This will make the traffic situation safer. The plan also includes Westergracht. There will be more greenery along Westergracht. The cycle path will be widened. The area around the cathedral will also be planted with flower beds that attract insects.

Plan from the neighbourhood

The new Preliminary Design is created together with local residents. The neighbourhood has been working on plans to green the area around the Dome Cathedral since 2019.

 

Source and artist impressions: Witteveen & Bos / Gemeente Haarlem.