Property developer Amstelland Ontwikkeling, a subsidiary of Amstelland MDC, has reached agreement with Enka on the purchase of the 42 hectare Enka site in Ede. Amstelland is to develop this site, which lies on the eastern side of Ede, in close consultation with the municipal authority.
The highly favourable location, which has good access by road, is close to a railway station and is situated at the edge of the open country of the Veluwe, offers excellent opportunities for residential and business use. The Ede Municipal Authority and Amstelland Ontwikkeling have been discussing the project for some time.
The management of Enka took the decision to end production at the Ede plant earlier this year. The plant is expected to cease operation in February 2003, and it will then be possible to make a start with clearing the site. A site investigation has revealed that the soil is contaminated with acids and sulphates. There is also an isolated deposit containing zinc sludge on the site. Land remediation and the necessary demolition work will be Enka’s responsibility and it will be Enka which contracts these activities.
Residential use
The location of the site on the eastern side of Ede but within the built-up area, right next to the Utrecht-Arnhem main line and just 100 metres from Ede-Wageningen Station, offers excellent development opportunities. Following initial studies, Amstelland has indicated the intention to develop the site for residential use, coupled with some business development in the vicinity of the station. The planned residential development will comprise both houses and apartments.
Preservation of listed buildings
Certain parts of the Enka complex have been nominated for listed building status (preliminary protection) under the Listed Buildings Act 1988. This relates, for example, to the aspect of the central courtyard and main gate, the boiler house and its chimney, the chemicals store and the fountain with its memorial seat. Alterations to these parts of the site will only be possible with special permission under the Act. The potential offered by the site as a whole is being explored jointly by Amstelland and the municipal authority.
Planning
Enka has indicated that it intends to make a start with the cleanup operation and demolition work in mid-2003. Amstelland and the Ede Municipal Authority intend to start drawing up an outline plan of the proposed development shortly. The aim is to complete an initial study before the end of January 2003. As far as the municipal authority is concerned, there are matters such as a proposed eastern ring road study and the relationship with the development of the railway area to be considered.
(source: Amstelland MDC)
