Foto: Anne-Claire Lans
Daan Zandbelt Appointed as Supervisor for Hart van Zuid
Hengelo Gains an Experienced Urban Planner at the Helm. Daan Zandbelt, partner at De Zwarte Hond, has been appointed to further develop Hart van Zuid in Hengelo, a key district of the city. His vision: a well-thought-out and gradual urban growth, with a significant expansion of housing construction.
According to Zandbelt, the current development plans for Hart van Zuid are insufficient. “The plans account for approximately 2,000 new homes, but that is not enough,” he states. Given the total housing demand in Twente—where 60,000 additional homes are needed in the coming years—he believes that Hengelo should realize at least 8,000 additional homes in Hart van Zuid. This would mean a substantial increase in the planned housing development for the area.
Beyond quantity, Zandbelt also aims to ensure the quality of urban development. As a supervisor, he will oversee that new buildings integrate well with their surroundings. He advocates for a balance between densification and livability, preferring mid-rise buildings of six to seven stories over high-rise residential towers.
The Supervisory Team, which serves as a sounding board and advisory body for the municipality and project developers, will shape the transformation of Hart van Zuid under Zandbelt’s leadership. His background as a former Chief Government Advisor for the Physical Environment, combined with his personal connection to Hengelo—his parents were among the first residents of the Kasbah—make him a dedicated and experienced driving force behind this urban development.
With this appointment, Hengelo stands on the brink of an ambitious growth phase, in which the city will not only expand but also create a sustainable and cohesive living environment.