Buytenwegh on the move: together we make the neighborhood more beautiful

Buytenwegh is a diverse and green neighborhood with engaged residents. Besides the many initiatives already in place for and by residents, there are also points of attention. Such as poverty, loneliness, limited flow in the housing market and an outdated shopping center. Based on the results, the municipality will work with the housing corporations, social partners and residents on a plan for the neighborhood for the coming years.

According to Alderman Velzen: "Buytenwegh is a neighborhood that needs attention and at the same time a neighborhood where people like to live. This was evident from the involvement and connection during our door-to-door visits, written questions and the large turnout at residents' evenings. In the coming period, residents will be actively involved in drawing up a plan to improve Buytenwegh. Everyone gets the chance to think along. We are open to ideas, listen to what is going on and enter into discussion with everyone who wants to contribute. Where possible, we will start working on improvements to public spaces."

Housing and livability opportunities and challenges

In the coming period, improvement plans will focus on 4 main topics.

1. Buytenwegh Shopping Center - Improve appearance, safety and cleanliness.
2. Safety - Greater safety on the streets and in traffic
3. Social cohesion and meeting - Strengthening contact between neighborhood residents
4. Public space and green spaces - Improving green spaces and play areas

By working with the housing associations and inZet, during the process of making social housing more sustainable, work in the living environment can also be better coordinated.

Bertine Spijkers director of inZet comments: "Working together on the neighborhood exploration Buytenwegh from the start has great added value. Together we see all kinds of opportunities for more substantive connection and new solutions. Together with residents and partners we are realizing a more beautiful and enjoyable Buytenwegh."

The directors of the corporations add: "The neighborhood exploration and the meeting provided us with important information about the living environment. That is why cooperation with the municipality, inZet and the corporations is important. In this way we can develop an area-oriented neighborhood approach together. The inventory phase is almost completed and we are looking at what actions we can initiate in the neighborhood in the short term and what actions in the longer term."

Working together: how to proceed?

The municipality and its partners want to plan together with residents. Everyone who has previously indicated an interest in participating will be approached.

Before the summer recess, an action item list with quick improvement points will be shared with the council. In late 2025, the council will discuss guidelines for the longer-term area approach.

Would you like to know more about the developments in Buytenwegh or have your say about the plans? Then visit the municipality of Zoetermeer's neighborhood website www.zoetermeer.nl/buytenwegh-de-leyens.