M55 consortium submits feasibility study for 20km rail connection in eastern Amsterdam, Netherlands
The M55 consortium led by Mott MacDonald and including Baca Architects has submitted a feasibility study on behalf of the operating company Werkmaatschappij Almere-Amsterdam (WAA). The study was to assess the viability of a railway connection between Amsterdam-South and Almere-South Centre through the IJmeer Lake in the Netherlands.
Planned to support urban growth in eastern Amsterdam and in Almere, where over 25,000 new homes are planned, the new line will provide a fast and efficient connection between major developments planned for IJburg, phase 2 and Almere Pampus.
As part of its proposal, the M55 consortium has designed a 20 km long connection from Diemen-Zuid to Almere Centrum, including a 9km tunnel under IJburg and IJmeer. This will include five new stations, two underground and three above ground, with potential for further stations along the line. One of the underground stations, planned within IJburg phase 2, is set within a new canal and will provide facilities for boats to moor alongside to create the world’s first sail-and-ride station.
The material excavated from the construction of the new tunnel will be used to create a new island north of Pampus and a series of sand dunes and 'shallows' on the coast of Pampus for recreation and wildlife. The new development of Pampus has been planned around green and blue infrastructure, with the M55 line passing through a beautiful linear park in the centre of Almere.
The new island ‘Pampus IJland’ will include 3,000 homes, each one with a fantastic view over the lake or cove. The island will be formed around a sheltered cove - the ’eye’ - containing a new beach and moorings for yachts and floating homes. The island will be car free and instead, a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system has been suggested to provide high speed travel between the island and the facilities of the urban centre in Pampus. The island will be a pilot for sustainability off grid and off mains water supply, renewable power and rain water harvesting and recycling will provide for the inhabitants’ needs.
Martijn Donders, Mott MacDonald project manager commented: “From our initial innovative alternative outline design, to our now completed feasibility study, we have developed a strong business case for the new rail link. The project is attracting intense public and political interest and our proposal is extremely strong on crucial issues such as environmental impact, ease of use and integration into the urban landscape, and the economic benefit. Our solution also provides for phased implementation.”
Robert Barker, project architect at Baca Architect’s commented: “We have developed integrated landscape, architecture and public realm proposals along various sensitive waterside settings and tunnel portals. In addition we have developed spatial concepts for new homes in Almere Pampus and Pampus Island, and provided the designs for the sail and ride station.”
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Tom Smith
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Christina de Burgh-Milne
+44 (0) 20 8774 3639
christina.deburgh-milne@mottmac.com
Lee Lodge
+44 (0) 20 8774 2040
lee.lodge@mottmac.com
Ruth Deans
Baca Architects
rdeans@baca.uk.com
+44 (0) 20 7939 0985
About M55 Consortium
Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a global management, engineering and consulting firm, working in public and private sectors, with approximately 14,000 employees and a turnover of over 1.2 billion euros. We supply a wide range of services in the areas of transportation and infrastructure, water, environment, energy, buildings, oil & gas, industry, health and education, and are active in over 140 countries with offices in 40 countries. In the Netherlands we provide from our office in Arnhem creative solutions through a combination of local knowledge and expertise available worldwide. More information: www.mottmac.com
Baca Architects
Baca Architects is an international award-winning design agency, specializing in integrated water related and sustainable projects. Projects range from one-off houses to master planning and commercial projects. The agency is internationally recognized for its innovative solutions for architecture and planning in flood prone areas. See www.baca.uk.com.
MNO Vervat
MNO Vervat designs, constructs, reconstructs and maintains infrastructure. Whether for roads, utility, earthwork, concrete, water or rail construction. MNO Vervat always looking for a creative, sustainable and economic solution. In addition, we take our social responsibility seriously. See www.mnovervat.nl.
HTM Consultancy
HTM Consultancy is an international service provider of public transport in the broadest sense and gives advice on the establishment and operation of public transport in the most effective and efficient way. The consultants are employed, managers and specialists in their field with extensive experience in urban and regional public transport. See www.htmconsultancy.nl.
Project & Process Consultancy
PC P & guides area development. By combining our broad substantive knowledge with our experience in development processes, manage and support through a development from start to finish. We will send the process and content, so that a vision is actually realized. Pragmatic and results oriented. More information: www.penpc.nl.
Economic Vision
Economic vision does economic research. This means that: investment and financial analysis, achieve cost efficiency, economic impact, complex grant applications. We work for companies, institutions and governments at home and abroad. Economic vision is for personal approach, quality and flexibility. See www.econovision.nl.
Balancia
Balancia is an innovative consulting firm that believes in the power of economic sustainability. We are consultants in sustainable mobility, especially in the areas of electrical mobility, public transport, cycling / walking, road safety and mobility in climate neutral cities. We have a policy advisor to governments (local and regional level), companies and multilateral organizations. We work in Europe, Asia and Africa. See www.balancia.com.
Zwarts & Jansma
Zwarts & Jansma Architects with their architecture to make a lasting contribution to the quality of life on our planet. The designs are imaginative and clearly structured, their ambiguous appearance aims to stimulate the senses. For more information: www.zwarts.jansma.nl
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