Area and real-estate developers AM and Synchroon have commenced construction on Grow in Merwede (Block 8), a new city district in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Utrecht Alderman Eelco Eerenberg marked the beginning of this project in Merwede.

Grow is a joint initiative from Synchroon and AM, which is part of Royal BAM Group. The project forms part of urban renewal activities in Utrecht aimed at sustainable development.

The plan covers an area of about 75,000m² gross floor area (GFA) and includes various intended uses. The city block will allow residents to live, work, exercise, and interact.

The project highlights routines for health, movement, and social contact with an emphasis on biodiversity and green spaces.

Architecture company KCAP, Monk Architecten, Studio Nauta, and Flux Landscape Architecture are responsible for the design.

Completion of the entire city block is planned for 2029.

The development will include 575 homes along with several facilities such as 188 social rental apartments, 140 mid-range and private rental apartments, and 247 owner-occupied apartments.

Additional features include a health centre, a daycare centre, offices, fitness facilities, other commercial units, parking spaces for over 1,900 bicycles, and a public parking garage with 380 car spaces.

A courtyard garden of approximately 4,500m² will be included within the block to support nature-related and social activities.

Handover of the first homes is scheduled to begin in 2027.

The plan forms part of a broader objective to deliver about 6,000 homes in the coming years.