The modernisation of the historic centre of Delft was largely linked to the construction of the railway alongside the canal and the traditional city wall. A viaduct was built in the 1970s to reduce its impact, however, the increasing use of the railway makes it very difficult to maintain.

The project allows to keep the rail network running while a double tunnel can be built in the space adjoining the viaduct to accommodate the train and even increase its capacity.

The new station building is combined with the City Administration and public space regains its centrality in the city. In the remaining areas of the railway, a linear park and new residential and mixed uses are developed. Permeability between the historic city and the 19th century extensions is regained, and water becomes a key element in public space to rebalance the nature of the polder.

The new configuration of the public space aims to restructure and redevelop the 30-hectare former railway site and the strip freed up by the new railway tunnel to restore the logical continuity between the different parts of the city.