From 1898 to 1965 the Koninklijke Plateelfabriek Zuid-Holland was located in the area where Koningshof is built now. ’Plazuid’ used to be worldwide leading in china for a long time. After the factory was closed, the location and the various associated monumental buildings that are part of the protected townscape of Gouda, fell into decline. Koningshof revitalised this important historical location in Gouda. Resulting in a quiet city district with newly built residences, renovated buildings, a restaurant and a bed & breakfast. 

The monumental buildings were renovated and given a new use as part of the development project. The municipal monumental buildings located at the Raam en the Bakkerij were redeveloped into residences and listed monument ‘de Kleischuur' has been transformed into a trendy restaurant by the water. The monumental Slangentoren, once used by the fire brigade to dry their hoses, is now a bed & breakfast. The 152 very diverse newly-built residences match the monumental buildings in terms of architecture and urban planning. Offering an attractive mix of old and new.

Koningshof is characterised by a number of extraordinary urban development details, which clearly reflect the location’s history. For example, the area contains a large variety of high-rise and low-rise buildings. Allowing us to fit many and large residences into our development plan. The alleys and new squares give the area an intimate, urban stature, as if you were in a historic city centre. Furthermore, Koningshof is fully integrated into the existing urban fabric of Gouda’s historic inner city. Expanding the city centre and thus creating an extension of the city.

Koningshof has a car-free public space, allowing children to safely play in the area. All residences have an indoor parking space. The majority of these parking spaces is located in the monumental carpark situated at the Raam. In addition, residents are allowed to decorate the public space by adding benches and greenery to the designated stretch of land in front of their house. The street lighting in the public space is a reference to the industrial past. Lastly, the public space contains a playing area for a child day-care centre.

It is worth noting that the area was developed with eye for archaeology. During installation of the foundations for the new residences, great attention was paid to keeping the soil intact. Furthermore, a number of buildings was added to the list of national monuments. They are now part of Gouda’s protected townscape. These historic buildings were restored, renovated and given a new use in the development plan.

Koningshof was a joint development by Blauwhoed and Gebr. Blokland BV. Land purchase, urban and operational planning, relocation of current residents and users, meetings with neighbours and interest groups, civil engineering works, land exploitation plan and process and project management. In addition, Altera made realisation of the plan possible during the crisis by buying the residences for rental purposes. We were able to find commercial partners for exploitation of the monumental buildings. Together, by giving each other credits, we were able to complete this detailed project in Gouda’s city centre.  

Koningshof Gouda was nominated for the StiB Award 2018. An award for the most successful revitalization project, contributing to the vitality and dynamics of city and village. The election is an initiative of Syntrus Achmea Real Estate & Finance and Vastgoedmarkt.