Plans for the north side of Gulbergen: nature development and natural burial
There is a new party interested in the northern part of the Gulbergen Estate. The Eindhoven Metropolitan Region (MRE) wants to sell this part to the Heidehof Estate. They want to develop and manage the area together with Natuurbegraafplaatsen van Waarde (Natural Burial Grounds of Value).
This step brings the development of Gulbergen as a green regional city park a step closer. It concerns approximately 170 hectares on the north side of the estate, between the A270 and the Eindhoven-Helmond railway line. In total, the Gulbergen Estate covers some 325 hectares and is located between Eindhoven, Helmond, Nuenen, and Geldrop-Mierlo.
Important step
The 21 municipalities in the Eindhoven Metropolitan Region have been working on plans for the future of Gulbergen for several years. The goal is to create a large green area where residents can walk, cycle, and enjoy nature and the landscape, as a counterbalance to the increasingly busy region. "In Landgoed Heidehof, we have found an experienced and reliable partner that can realize the region's vision for Gulbergen. The proposed sale of the northern part is a major step in the development of the estate into a regional city park," says administrative leader Judith Keijzers.
Nature development
Landgoed Heidehof manages more than 1,000 hectares of nature in the Netherlands and has experience in nature development and nature-inclusive agriculture. At Gulbergen, they want to work on restoring and developing nature, nature-inclusive agriculture, opportunities for walking and recreation, and space for remembrance in nature. "The north side of Gulbergen forms an important connection between the Strabrechtse Heide and the Stiphoutse Bossen. We are pleased to be able to strengthen this connection," saysBram Calkhoven of Landgoed Heidehof.
Natural burial
The plans also include space for natural burials. This gives the landscape a natural purpose and ensures that the area remains protected. Landgoed Heidehof is collaborating on this with Natuurbegraafplaatsen van Waarde, an organization with experience in several locations in the Netherlands.
What happens next?
Over the coming months, Landgoed Heidehof and MRE will further elaborate the purchase agreement. The MRE board is expected to make a decision around the summer. The transfer of the land can then take place.