Spatial Strategy Zoetermeer (RSZ).

Spatial strategy Zoetermeer 2040 - City in the Neighborhood!

The NSSO shows where we are headed as a city if we make the most of the opportunities and challenges. We seek space for housing, facilities and work mainly in the existing city. In this way we strengthen the most accessible places in the city and with the addition we also ensure renewal of areas that are now becoming worn out. In the central areas such as Entrance and the city center, most buildings will be added. In most of the quiet (suburban) residential areas, new construction takes place mainly in the shopping centers, which can also be refurbished as a result. This allows the downtown to grow.

Vision map Zoetermeer: City in the neighborhood

In the image above, you can see the strength of Zoetermeer captured in one image. A city close to the largest cities in the Netherlands. A city with fine neighborhoods where everything is close by because it is compactly built around all the amenities that make urban life attractive. And which at the same time is directly connected to the peace and space of the green heart. That makes Zoetermeer "the city nearby.

10 strategic choices

10 spatial strategic choices are made for the city. These are:

1. Together we strengthen the strength of the region
2. We build within the existing city and concentrate urbanity
3. We strengthen the spatial identity of New Town Zoetermeer
4. We realize balanced growth of living, working, green-blue and amenities
5. We increase the attractiveness of existing neighborhoods
6. We better utilize work locations and facilitate working in neighborhoods
7. We provide a climate-resilient and nature-inclusive city
8. We are directing the energy transition and subsoil
9. We encourage exercise and meeting
10. We provide an accessible, healthy and safe city

It also distinguishes the different living environments of the city. The living environments indicate how different areas will develop. For each living environment there is a description of different themes such as social, green, mobility and high-rise buildings. The Spatial Strategy also looks to the future beyond 2040.

Environmental impact report (OER).

Simultaneously with the preparation of the Spatial Strategy, an Environmental Impact Report (OER) was drawn up. In this report, various alternatives were examined, and the environmental effects of the choices made in the Spatial Strategy were mapped out. These include environmental effects (e.g. nature, soil, water) but also social and economic aspects (such as health, welfare and accessibility). The results partly influenced the final Spatial Strategy. View the Environmental Impact Report (OER) here.

Prior to the OER, the Notitie Reikwijdte en Detailniveau (NRD) was prepared. The NRD describes the OER procedure for the Zoetermeer Spatial Strategy, what will be studied in the OER (the scope) and how this will be done (the level of detail). View the NRD Spatial Strategy Zoetermeer here. The NRD was available for inspection from September 6 to October 17, 2024. The submitted comments have been summarized and answered in the NRD. View the Nota van beantwoording here.

Council discussion

On March 17, the city council agreed to allow the college to submit the draft Spatial Strategy Zoetermeer 2040 'City in the Neighborhood' for review. The amended council proposal 'Draft Spatial Strategy Zoetermeer 2040' was adopted by 38 votes to 1.

This decision was preceded by an extensive council debate. In particular, the parties exchanged many arguments about the role of the city council and whether or not to submit motions and amendments. The (maximum) speeds in the city were also discussed at length.

In the end, the council decided to include in the draft NSSO, that we (remain) committed to space for children and youth. An amendment was adopted for this purpose. The council must also make it clear that strategic choices are aimed at strengthening mobility. This means, that the starting point for the maximum speed limit on main roads remains 70 km/h (no generic speed reduction). There can only be a speed reduction to 50 km/h if the traffic flow does not deteriorate and this allows for spatial developments, such as housing. The starting point for the maximum speed limit in the neighborhoods remains 50 km/h and is not generally reduced to a maximum of 30 km/h. Speed reduction can only be an issue if specific sections are involved and the road layout is actually modified. Amendments were also adopted for this.

You can review the council meeting and see documents including amendments at: Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025.

Spatial Strategy presentation at the City Theatre

On April 17, 2025 was the presentation of the Spatial Strategy at the City Theater. On this evening, the draft was presented to residents of our city. Engagement, ideas and plans for the city's future were the focus. View the presentation here.

Views

Between April 4 and May 15, 2025, the draft Spatial Strategy Zoetermeer 2040 and the accompanying Environmental Impact Report were available for inspection. Several views were submitted. All views have been answered by the Municipal Executive in the Memorandum of Reply to Views on the Draft RSP and OER. View the memorandum of reply here.

As part of the public consultation period, the Spatial Strategy and the Environmental Impact Report were also sent to the EIA Committee for its opinion. View the mer committee's advice and the memorandum of reply to the mer committee's advice here.

In response to the views received and the advice of the Mer Committee, the Spatial Strategy and the Environmental Impact Report were improved and tightened in parts.

How to move forward?

The Municipal Executive considered the Zoetermeer Spatial Strategy and accompanying documents on September 2, 2025. It is expected that these will be presented to the city council for decision-making at the council meeting of October 13, 2025. Prior to council decision-making, the documents will first be considered at the September 29, 2025 City Council Committee. View the City Commission Agenda September 29,, containing the council proposal, the Zoetermeer Spatial Strategy and all related documents here.

Participation

There was extensive participation in the creation of the Zoetermeer 2040 Vision and the Spatial Strategy. The pop-up Expo ONS Zoetermeer then, now and later was set up for this purpose. In the Expo, Zoetermeerders could learn about and share information about the developments in the city. They could do this during free visits, but also at organized events, such as (graffiti) workshops andZoetermeerders in gesprek' evenings. More information can be found in the participation report.

View theSpatial Strategy Participation Report here.

City Makers

During the participation and development of the Spatial Strategy, an "Atelier Stadmakers" emerged that actively engaged in thinking about the future of the city. We are grateful to the Atelier Stadmakers for their involvement, thinking along, inspiring and co-organizing. Information about Atelier Stadmakers can be found atstadmakers.nl | Treasurers.