Attack Plan Center Kerkrade
Working together to build a strong center for Kerkrade
The center of Kerkrade is changing. We want it to be a pleasant place to live, shop, meet, and relax. That is why the municipality, together with entrepreneurs, residents, and other partners, has drawn up a plan: the Kerkrade Center Action Plan.
What do we want to achieve?
We want to make the center a place that:
- appealing to young and old
- is easily accessible
- safe, clean, and green
- provides space for shops, restaurants, culture, and housing
We do this based on three key principles: Compact, Complete, and Comfort.
Compact – Everything close by
We are bringing shops, restaurants, and amenities closer together. This creates a well-organized center where everything is easily accessible and within walking distance. Shopping streets are becoming more attractive thanks to their transformation into affordable residential areas. Areas with vacant properties are also being given a new function, such as housing, services, and/or social functions.
Complete – Something for everyone
The center must offer a good mix of shops, housing, restaurants, culture, Health events. We are focusing on more specialty shops, trendy (restaurant) concepts, and activities. We will also strengthen social and healthcare facilities, such as the HuB Kerkrade and the VIE complex, so that residents of all ages feel at home in the center. This will ensure that the center remains surprising and attractive for repeat visits.
Comfort – Enjoyable stays
To make downtown more attractive, we are focusing on a pleasant and sustainable living environment. Squares and streets will become greener and more attractive, with more space for pedestrians and cyclists. There will be more seating areas and better walking routes, making the center inviting to meet and relax. We are also working on good accessibility, so that the center is easy to visit by public transport, bicycle or car.
How are we going to do this?
The municipality works with an implementation program. This program contains concrete projects and measures for the coming years. The focus is on:
- Redesign of streets and squares: more greenery, better lighting, safe walking routes.
- Addressing vacancy: retail properties are being repurposed for new functions such as residential, social, services, or crafts.
- Housing construction in the city center: affordable and suitable housing for different target groups.
- Atmosphere and experience: Together with entrepreneurs, we optimize the events and activities in the city center.
- Better accessibility: clear entrances, good parking facilities, and short walking distances.
- More space for culture, events, and socializing: such as at HuB Kerkrade, VIE, and the Rodahal.
- A healthy lifestyle: more locations that cater to vitality and exercise
We are doing this step by step, together with entrepreneurs, residents, and other partners. Some projects are tackled quickly, while others take more time. We set clear priorities and continue to respond to new developments. Would you like to stay informed about the latest developments? Then keep an eye on our website and social media.
Download the Center Action Plan (inaccessible PDF via the City Council website)