Centre vision Papendrecht

BLOC and Cityförster are working with local key players on a future-proof centre vision for the municipality of Papendrecht to enable urban interventions and local coalitions. The centre of Papendrecht has many opportunities but also challenges. As the area develops, numerous activities and interests intermingle: from urban planning to mobility, from economic growth to sustainability. The centre is not only the municipality’s economic engine, but also a lively place in the middle of the dynamic Drechtsteden where people live, work and relax.

Looking to the future, the question arises: how can we preserve this central area while strengthening it? In response, BLOC and Cityförster are working with local stakeholders to develop a future-proof centre vision. This vision focuses on a robust and attractive city centre that is ready for tomorrow’s challenges. This vision will be applied, for example, to assess future developments and position the centre appropriately.

Effectively engaging stakeholders

With this project, we put our broad knowledge of participation and co-creation to use. First, we work out the starting points properly and build smart scenarios to make trade-offs. We then do this together with those involved in a way that suits them. For instance, where possible, we visit people in person instead of organising separate meetings.

Developing a new heart of Papendrecht by working integrally

Our approach is in the spirit of the Environment Act, speeding up and simplifying processes. We focus on six key themes: urban planning, housing, economy, mobility, environment and energy transition. By linking these themes together and thus tackling them integrally, we identify urban planning opportunities that add value in several areas, thus building solid value cases.

The development of the centre vision rests on two pillars. First, we aim for spatial, future-oriented interventions that make the centre both lively and attractive. Second, we are committed to sustainable collaborations linked to regional and local policy themes. These collaborations, supported by innovative financing models and the commitment of various investors, will mobilise the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable growth of Papendrecht’s centre.

Starting point: three building blocks for our vision

We see three elements as crucial to achieving a good vision:

1. We see the centre as an important link with the region. We are at home in the Drechtsteden region like no other and want to position Papendrecht even smarter in it.
2. The centre can become a hub of a strong, local network of green-blue amenities due to its waterfront location. Consider climate adaptation, smart use of water and, for example, densification with nature-inclusive building.
3. Papendrecht deserves a centre that represents its city and population even better. The centre will therefore be developed based on needs of the local community.