Three projects compete to take over Dutch palace, highest offer will win

Three organisations have reached the final round in the competition to find a new function for Soestdijk palace, lived in by queen Juliana and prince Berhard for over 60 years until their deaths in 2004.

The palace began life as a 17th century hunting lodge but was enlarged considerably over time. The three finalists will bring out an offer to buy the palace, its land and surrounding buildings and the contract will go to the highest bidder.

One project – Eden Soestdijk – is inspired by the Eden Project in England and would include the development of a biodome different climate zones as as well as a five star hotel. The palace itself would become an information centre.

The second project focuses on the innovation economy, and also involves the development of a hotel. The third involves keeping the park and the palace open to the public. All three projects include building housing on the site of the former military police barracks.

The three competitors have until the end of April 2017 to put together their bids.