May 23 saw the completion of a key stage in an ongoing rebuilding programme undertaken by Netherlands Railways and the city authorities at Den Haag Hollands Spoor, as the station’s main hall and passenger subway were officially re-opened following comprehensive refurbishment. This phase of the Hollands Spoor programme has cost 25m guilders; restoration work on the station exterior, platform renewal and the construction of a large bicycle shelter incorporating retail outlets are scheduled for completion in spring 1998.
Under the direction of architect Theo Fikkers, modern materials including pink granite, stainless steel and wood have been employed to renovate the hall, dating from the station’s construction between 1888 and 1893. Local artist Josephine Sloet has produced tile pictures for the walls, installed above new shops and a ticket office with screen-free counter.
Work on the tunnel linking the hall with Holland Spoor’s platforms has included widening from 5m to 10m, and raising the roof by 1m under the platforms to permit indirect lighting. To let more light in, lift shafts leading to platform level incorporate yellow glass similar to that used in the historic canopies above. o
The historic fabric of Den Haag Hollands Spoor now has a modern feel following refurbishment work
