A New Heart for Driel
The Dutch village of Driel is set for a transformation. Together with residents, we created a new vision for its centre — making it safer, greener, and more vibrant, turning it from a place of transit into a lively hub for community life.
Like many Dutch villages, Driel is facing a decline in local amenities. The village centre’s public space is in need of renewal, and several buildings in and around the central square are awaiting redevelopment. Over the course of 1.5 years, alongside Smartland, Fresh Forward, and an active community of local residents and entrepreneurs, we have been shaping a new vision for the heart of Driel.
Driel’s centre will transform from a place of transit into a place to stay. By creating a loop in the central Kerkstraat, we will improve traffic safety while establishing a vibrant new village square opposite the existing Polenplein. This welcoming space will offer opportunities for meetings, events, and hospitality, with room for food, drinks, and social gatherings. The vision also paves the way for new amenities and redevelopment of the ground floors of adjacent buildings.
Additionally, the heart of Driel will become greener. Wadis will collect rainwater, while lush cherry trees — iconic to the surrounding Betuwe landscape — will enhance the character and identity of the new village centre. The vision for the village centre was formalised in a letter of intent, signed by all stakeholders. The plans were ceremoniously handed over to the executive board of Gemeente Overbetuwe. The municipality and local community will now further develop the vision.
