The residential neighbourhood on Kanaleneiland is located near Papendorp bridge which spans the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal in Utrecht. This area forms part of the redesigned Kanaleneiland, a typical post-war neighbourhood that features little variety in housing typology. The integral vision is based on the axis running from Utrecht city centre to Kanaleneiland and intersects four areas: Transwijk, the city centre, Churchill Park and the water of the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal.
The master plan strengthens the identity of each zone and defines the central transport axis as a connector. Kanaleneiland is sited strategically between the old city centre and a new city borough using Papendorp bridge as the quickest way to access the Papendorp business district. In the master plan, Papendorp and Kanaleneiland are considered as one combined neighbourhood.
The new neighbourhood lies between the bridge and Kanaleneiland and comprises eight so-called islands. Consisting of the canal and waterfront park, the centre of the area is underlined by the ground plane inclined towards the bridge. A stretch of shared facilities and commercial spaces connects Kanaleneiland Shopping Centre with the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal. A new network of paths and roads corresponds with the existing urban structure of Kanaleneiland.
A split-level format was utilised in this new neighbourhood. The paved parking areas above feature inviting timber decks where children can safely play. In Churchill Park, a composition of apartment towers overlooks the canal and the reorganised shopping centre fronts the transport axis. Well-lit green paths connect with the axis to open up and unite this once closed enclave.