Have your say on the future of community centers, shopping and hospitality in Zoetermeer
The municipality is working on a new retail vision: a plan for the future of stores, restaurants and other facilities in the city. The current plans for stores and restaurants no longer match the life and shopping of today. Many people buy their stuff online, retail properties are more often empty and residents have other wishes for their neighborhood. Neighborhood (shopping) centers play an important role, especially in new housing developments and around public transport hubs. It is therefore time to work together with residents, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders on a future-proof vision for shopping, hospitality and facilities.
What are we going to do?
The municipality is renewing its retail and hospitality policies and bringing them together in one future plan: the retail vision. This is about more than just stores. Catering, services, accessibility and the quality of the living environment are also part of it. The municipality invites residents and other stakeholders to think about the future of shopping areas. During meetings, topics are discussed such as the appearance of shopping areas, the functions that fit in different places and what residents find important in their neighborhood. Opinions and experiences help in making choices that fit today's city.
When can you participate?
There are 2 ways to participate: an online meeting and an on-site meeting. Both have the same theme. You choose what suits you best.
Online meeting - Friday, July 4, 2025 from 10:00-12:00 a.m.
Can't attend the on-site meeting, but would like to contribute your thoughts? Then you are welcome to join our online session. In a digital setting we will discuss the topic: 'Wishes and opinions of residents on shopping areas and going out'. What kind of stores, restaurants or other functions would you like to see in your neighborhood? Where and how would you like to go out? What do you miss now, and what should stay?
Sign up at: secrstso@zoetermeer.nl. Registration is required - you will receive a link by email in advance.
On-site meeting - Thursday, July 10, 2025
Would you prefer to engage in live conversation with other residents and the municipality? Then we would like to invite you to the on-site meeting. Here too we will discuss your wishes and ideas for shopping areas and nightlife in the city. Your experiences and advice will help us to align our policies with what residents really find important.
Location: Club Entree, Boerhaavelaan 33
Time: Walk-in from 18:30 | Start 19:00 | End 21:00
Theme: Wishes and opinions of residents on shopping areas and going out
Sign up at: secrstso@zoetermeer.nl and mention:
- Your name
- Which district you are from
- With how many persons you will come
What happens to your input?
All input will be recorded in a report. We will send these reports to the participants afterwards and post them on this web page. The input from the interviews, along with other documents, will be used to make choices in the new policy. Think about:
- The political ambitions described in the administrative agreement.
- New national and local laws and regulations, such as the Zoetermeer 2040 vision.
- Trends and developments in the retail sector.
- Examples and best practices from other cities.
- Advice from experts in sustainability, accessibility and land use planning.
The results of the participation process are also attached as an appendix to the council proposal on the new retail vision. This way, the City Council will know exactly what was retrieved and how it was taken into account.