'City in the neighborhood' outlines Zoetermeer of the future
An intensive participation process with residents, experts and various interest groups led to the Spatial Strategy Zoetermeer 2040. The concrete sequel to the Future Vision 2040. Ten spatial strategic choices form the basis for it. An important part of the participation process was the Pop-Up Expo ONS Zoetermeer, where residents could share their ideas and discuss the future of the city. In addition, the Zoetermeer municipality worked with city makers, young people, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to exchange insights and create support.
To ensure that Zoetermeer now and in the future remains a place where it is pleasant to live, recreate, work and do business, the City Council adopted the Zoetermeer 2040 Vision in 2022. How and where in the city we want to deal with themes such as social healthy city, living, working, greenery, facilities, mobility and energy can be found in the Spatial Strategy. Alderman Jan Iedema: "In Zoetermeer2040 we outlined how our city will remain a pleasant place to live and work in the long term. With this Spatial Strategy, we go a step further: we show which developments and facilities are taking place where in the city and how Zoetermeer will develop in the coming years. This helps us to be prepared for challenges such as aging, housing, climate change and energy transition. The strategy provides direction for area development and ensures that Zoetermeer remains attractive to investors and developers."
The Spatial Strategy (RSZ) is the second part of the Vision Zoetermeer 2040. Together they form Zoetermeer's environmental vision. The strategy provides clarity about where and how the city will change in the coming years, and helps the municipality to steer towards major long-term tasks. Thanks to the Spatial Strategy, the Zoetermeer municipality can align projects and (area) programs to improve the socio-economic balance in the city.
Living environments
The strategy accommodates the city's various living environments. Each living environment has its own character. For example, an inner city requires a different approach than a residential area. For each environment, it indicates how it will develop in terms of themes such as social, green, mobility and high-rise buildings. The Spatial Strategy also outlines a view of the future beyond 2040.
Planning
The draft Spatial Strategy will be discussed by the City Council in February and March 2025. After that, the "draft Spatial Strategy" will be made available for public inspection so that residents and stakeholders can respond to it. At the same time, the environmental impact report (OER) will also be available for public inspection. The OER clarifies the environmental impact of the choices that will be made. This spring, the City Council will make a final decision on the Spatial Strategy.
Learn more: www.zoetermeer.nl/rsz
