Shopping centre De Gaard
Shopping centre De Gaard in Tuindorp-Oost (Utrecht) is situated among houses built in the 1930s and post-war high-rise buildings. It is an important meeting place in the neighbourhood. The complex is a little disorganised currently, with many rear sides. After the renovation and expansion, it will become an all-round shopping centre, without any rear sides. Gianni Cito is responsible for the design.
Programme
Shops, 60 apartments and parking
Surface
11.300 m² GFA
Architect
Gianni Cito
Team
Hao Tran, Patrick de Weerd, Pascal Bemelmans
Status
Completed
Year
2012 – 2020
Location
Utrecht
Client
Top Vastgoed / FiMek
Construction
IMD
New centre for the neighbourhood
The renovated shopping centre will immediately become the new heart of the neighbourhood. There will be a central square, and a covered shopping arcade will connect the north and south. The shopping street will thus become a convenient route for pedestrians, while the square will serve as a meeting place for residents and shoppers. The structure will form an urban ensemble with the existing Jeruzalem Church.
Friendly character
On the northern side of the internal street lies a large Albert Heijn supermarket, while the southern side opens onto a picturesque square featuring a charming terrace and old trees. The façade is constructed of brick, and the glass canopies are supported by steel beams. The elegant façade and rounded corners give the complex a friendly and characterful appearance.
Double the shopping fun
The retail space will double in size. The new shopping centre will consist of 9,000 m2 of retail space and 2,300 m3 of residential space. 45 homes will be renovated and 15 new homes will be added. Part of the parking will be located on the roof, and store deliveries will take place via an internal shipping area, allowing the public to move around freely.