Monastery Garden

The municipality is developing plans in the green heart of Nuenen: the Kloostertuin. There is much interest in building and living at this location, but the preservation of greenery is also important. Therefore, the desired developments have been outlined in a Master Plan. Before homes can actually be built, important steps still need to be taken: the tendering process. After all, the municipality will not build the homes itself; the most suitable builder/developer will still be selected for that purpose. A spatial procedure must also be completed according to the Omgevingswet before the construction of approximately 115 homes and the construction of the park can take place in 2027.

Monastery Garden Newsletter

Update December 2025

Permit for first phase of BOPA applied for

The housing development in the Kloostertuin is made possible by an Extra-Plan Environmental Plan Activity (BOPA). This instrument makes it possible to deviate from the applicable environmental plan, so that the development can take place despite existing spatial regulations. The BOPA consists of two phases:

  1. First phase – spatial component
    • Focuses on the spatial acceptability of the plan.
    • Topics: spatial compatibility, traffic and parking, effects on the environment.
    • The substantiation for this phase has been completed and the permit application has been submitted.
    • This legally establishes the main lines of development.
  2. Second phase – structural engineering
    • To be developed later by the developer yet to be selected.
    • Topics: technical and structural elaboration of the plan.
    • The permit application for this phase will follow the spatial planning phase.

With the submission of the first phase of the BOPA, an important step has been taken towards the realization of the housing project.

Extra attention to parking

In response to concerns expressed by the local community, additional research into parking was conducted in support of the BOPA. This was in line with the council decision stipulating that CROW publication 744 applies. In accordance with these principles, parking needs for both residents and visitors must be fully met within the planning area. The research shows that this can be achieved, meaning that there will be no additional parking pressure in the immediate vicinity.

Process and deadlines

The application for the spatial BOPA has been submitted and is currently being assessed by the municipality. If the decision is positive, the permit will be granted. This will be followed by a six-week objection period, during which interested parties can lodge any objections. At the end of this period, it will become clear whether the permit is irrevocable.

Planning

  1. Completed: Start design and participation for Master Plan scenarios - early 2022

    In early 2022, we started the design. Participation also took place for the scenarios of the Master Plan.

  2. Completed: Principles adopted by city council - November 2023

    The guiding principles (urban planning principle, building height, parking, sustainability, finances) were adopted by the City Council.

  3. Completed: Master plan Monastery Garden adopted by city council -

    On Thursday, July 4, 2024, the Monastery Garden Master Plan was adopted by the City Council. 

  4. Completed: positive council opinion - Oct. 9, 2025

    The council gave a positive opinion on the environmental permit application on Oct. 9.

  5. Completed: Permit for first phase of BOPA applied for - December 2, 2025

    The permit for the non-plan environmental planning activity (BOPA) has been applied for. A BOPA makes it possible to realize housing development in the Kloostertuin. 

  6. Currently in progress: Developer tender - October 2024 to end of 2025

    We will be looking for a developer to move forward with the plan.

  7. Currently in progress: Spatial planning procedure - October 2024 to March 2025

    We follow a spatial procedure according to the Omgevingswet.

  8. Still to do: Elaborate plans and building permit - 2026

    The plans will be worked out in more detail and the building permit will be applied for.

  9. Still to do: Start construction of housing and park - from early 2027

    We expect to begin construction of the approximately 115 homes and park construction in 2027.

Location

The Kloostertuin is located right behind Het Klooster in the center of Nuenen. In the past several (school) buildings have stood in this area. The site now lies fallow, is quiet and very green. The municipality has mentioned the site in the Environment Vision and the Housing program, among other things. The city council has previously expressed its desire to realize housing on this site. 

Photo of today's Cloister Garden with the gymnasium in the background
Today's Cloister Garden with the gymnasium in the background.

Review of the creation of the Master Plan

To develop such a special location, the municipality does not go overnight. Step by step, the municipality and designers drew and calculated on a design. To make the plans even more attuned to the wishes of Nuenen and the people of Nuenen, the municipality consulted a sounding board group that included participants from the community. In the course of that process with research, design and participation, at the end of 2023 the municipal council established the starting points for the building program, public space, the development fields, traffic & parking and sustainability & energy.

On Thursday, July 4, 2024, another important phase was completed: the City Council adopted the Master Plan for Monastery Garden. This Master Plan is not yet a building plan; it contains a reference design, a suggestion of what a building plan might look like (i.e., not how it should be). It does make clear what frameworks the eventual builder must meet. A spatial procedure according to the Omgevingswet will follow. Goal: start construction of approximately 115 homes and construction of the park in 2027.

Learn more

Do you have questions about the project? Email your question to us at kloostertuin@nuenen.nl. 

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