Kralendijk – For the sustainable redevelopment of the former Plantation Bolivia, Bonaire Properties (owner of the Estate) has commissioned the renowned urban design and architectural agency KuiperCompagnons from Rotterdam. The company’s expertise in developing urban and landscapes visions in the Netherlands and abroad goes back more than 100 years.
Sustainable
KuiperCompagnons as a urban design agency is highly regarded world wide and is involved in numerous prestigious projects (see: https://www.kuipercompagnons.nl/nl/projecten/). “The task to develop a sustainable future for Bolivia coincides fluently with the themes that we concern ourselves with as professionals. For this project, we want to contribute tot he future of the Bonairean society with our knowledge and attention,” says Wouter Vos, landscapes architect and Director of Internation Operations with KuiperCompagnons.
“Next to the opportunities we see for the recovery of this valuable area, our plan, with a considerable amount of affordable housing, also contributes to a better balance on the housing market. The plan increases the self-sufficiency of the island by integrating agriculture and horticulture, it creates jobs and it prevents further erosion of the soil and runoff into the sea, damaging reefs and corals.”
Third district
The management of the development of the future Bolivia Estate is in the hands of Metafoor Ruimtelijke Ontwikkeling, an agency that is commissioned by many municipalities in the European Netherlands to assist in, among other things, process management and the development of urban areas.
Metafoor-director Erik Berkelmans: “Because of the rapid population growth on the Island, the quality of the environment is under pressure. With this opportunity to develop Bolivia as a ‘landscape park’, unguided sprawl of Kralendijk can be prevented. In and around Playa, the effects of these are already palpable in daily life, for example in traffic. If you want to relieve pressure on Kralendijk and give Rincon a perspective for the future, a third district is needed. All things considered, Bolivia is the sustainable solution to a resilient and sustainable Bonaire.”
Recovery of nature
The redevelopment of the former Plantation Bolivia is from a perspective of urban and landscape planning a formidable opportunity. The area has a grand cultural-historical and scenic value, in danger of going to waste. The development of the area into a landscape park leads, with an integral approach, to attention for recovery of nature, for living, and for working. Three clusters of estates will be situated within the landscape park, that will be built in different stages unto 2045, and that together will have a footprint of only three per cent of the entire Bolivia area. These clusters will have a high degree of self sufficiency.
Because the development will be integrated in the landscape, the area will keep its characteristics. Over 85% remains open landscape. To enhance the recovery of flora and fauna, the park will be managed centrally. Already in the first stage, park management will make sure that management and maintenance of this unique area is secured.
Letter of intent
Last week, the Executive council of Bonaire and the board of Bonaire Properties both signed a letter of intent. A presentation of the plans to the Island Council will soon follow.
