Almere Municipality plans to be one of the greenest city centers in the Netherlands. To achieve this, existing streets must be greener and new streets must have additional space for trees and plants. Furthermore, new city parks are being created. These plans are in The development vision of the natural heart of the city 2040, It is now before the City Council for approval. The ideas in the report should contribute to creating a strong and economically attractive centre. Thus, the heart of the city will become an important destination for the residents of the city and the region.
The municipality will, among other things, “naturally urbanize” to deal with climate change and improve biodiversity and the living environment. For example, there will be what is called under-tile buffer capacity. These are places where water can collect when it rains a lot. In addition, due to the construction of plants and trees, there is more space for animal species and the air quality in the area improves.
Residents' input has been included in the new developments through an extensive participation process. In such a process, local residents can make suggestions about what their environment will look like in the future.
Stadsweeteringpark
An important point of the vision is the desire to build a Stadsweteringpark. This park will be established along two existing city roads. These extend from the Weerwater to Stedenwijk and the Randstad and are connected in plan via the Staatsliedenwijk. Its total length is about 4.5 km. The banks and the area around the water are being developed into a green place where residents and visitors can walk and enjoy nature. The idea is that this park will be connected to the “Rondje Weerwater”, a walking and cycling path around the Weerwater that has a lot of green space and where it is now possible to do sports.
FYI: The so-called city core is a larger area than just the city center. South of Weerwater and north towards Markerkant are also included. There is a big challenge for the entire region: 10,000 to 15,000 houses are being built there. This also requires facilities such as schools and supermarkets.
More natural banks should be created along the Wearwater River, where water and land gradually merge. Scaffolding will also be erected at these sites so that visitors can enjoy the water and nature. This improves the water quality and makes it a more enjoyable and attractive place for people and all the animals that live there.
Buspark A6
Plans also include the construction of a Bospark on and around the A6 motorway. The idea is to create green connections across the motorway, connecting both sides of the A6 motorway. This means that part of the A6 motorway along the Weerwater River will be covered in greenery. This ensures cleaner air and a better living environment. Bospark should also contain venues for outdoor art, culture and sports. Forest Park also makes it possible to build homes closer to the highway and make room for new businesses.
Additional living space
The city center is currently mainly suitable for shopping, but the aim is that this part of Almere will soon be used in other ways. For example, there should be more places where people can work and meet each other. Moreover, new homes are being built. Almere currently has one of the least populated city centers in the country, and the city council believes this should change. The vision states that this also requires more space for art and culture.
Another important point of the vision is to transform the roads into lively city streets, where there will be more space for pedestrians, cyclists and meetings. This should also be accompanied by a lot of greenery. Good access to the center by public transport and car is also important.
A space for art and culture
As previously mentioned, art and culture will be given more space in public spaces and buildings in the plans. Space must be created for this, including along bus lanes, by organizing them differently. There should also be space for additional green space and meetings.
The idea is to create a pleasant connection for residents, pedestrians and cyclists moving from Stadhuisplein to Stationsplein. The same applies to the road between Stationsplein and Markerkantplein which has not yet been built. In the plans, this plaza would be located in front of the old fire station.
It is good for visitors, residents, animals and plants to ensure a healthy environment full of nature, is the idea of the city council. Therefore, all future developments in and around the city center must conform to the lines set forth in the new development vision.
The council will meet soon to discuss the content of the vision, which stems from the policy that has already been adopted. These conversations provide direction for the development of the Almere city core over the next 16 years.
Development vision can be found here. The Council’s proposal is available through this link.
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