Palenstein receives subsidy for climate-proof development
Municipality of Zoetermeer receives a subsidy of €100,000 from the Province of South Holland to make the living environment in the Palenstein district resilient to climate change. This is necessary because the influence of climate is increasing. For example, we are increasingly confronted with heavy showers, extreme heat or drought. Provincial executive Arne Weverling presented the check to aldermen Marijke van der Meer (climate adaptation) and Ronald Weerwag (district alderman Palenstein) on Thursday 13 March.
Alderman Van der Meer: "This subsidy is a boost for Zoetermeer's climate-proof ambition. We are going for even more greenery in the public space with less paving and more space for water." Alderman Weerwag adds: "For Palenstein, this will soon mean an attractive living environment with more and varied greenery, shady spots, a beautiful view and less heat and heat stress."
Stimulate innovative measures
"The plans for the development of Palenstein fit in with the ambition of the Province of South Holland to make our built environment more resistant to extreme weather conditions," says Arne Weverling, deputy for Climate Adaptation. "The province stimulates innovative measures to counter the consequences of climate change. By investing in measures now, we want to prevent being confronted with high damage costs later on."
Construction started
The construction of the green and climate-proof design of Palenstein started this winter. And work will continue during the next 2 winters. The municipality is planting trees, which will provide more shade. This will create a 'cool route' between the RandstadRail stop and the shopping centre. The car park at Croesinckplein will become greener and shadier with 54 trees. Climate change has also been taken into account in the design of the new square at Rakkersveld. To allow rainwater to flow through better, a wadi will be installed on the square. A wadi is a lower green area. Due to the difference in height, the water flows naturally to the wadi. The water is therefore drained away more slowly and it acts as a temporary buffer during extreme rainfall. The square will become greener and will have an innovative seating edge. The seating edge is semi-open at the bottom (sponge effect), so that rainwater on the street can flow through to the planting area.
Alderman Weerwag: "Palenstein has undergone a major transformation in recent years. This subsidy gives that development an extra boost and helps us to further green the district and make it climate-proof. In this way, we ensure a pleasant and future-proof living environment for all residents."
More information about the renovation of Palenstein can be found at www.palensteinzoetermeer.nl .
