Area-based approach officially launched

With the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Province of Limburg and the Municipality of Kerkrade, the area-based approach in Limburg is officially taking shape. In Kerkrade East, work will be carried out over the next few years to create a safe, healthy and social neighborhood where residents, organizations and government work together to build a future in which everyone can participate. The main goal is to work with the municipality and other partners to achieve breakthroughs in the areas of poverty and low literacy, quality of life and safety, young people growing up with opportunities and increasing social cohesion.

This first signing marks the next step in the provincial ambition to work together long-term and integrally in eight Limburg areas to build strong communities.

From planning to doing together

Delegate Marc van Caldenberg: "Today we are taking the next step in our area-oriented approach: from making plans to doing things together. In Kerkrade East, we are joining forces with residents, organizations and the municipality to work structurally on livable neighborhoods and equal opportunities. In this way, we are building powerful communities throughout Limburg on the basis of practical experience. It's great that Kerkrade is the first to take this step. 

BOOST for Kerkrade East

Cooperation in Kerkrade East is taking shape within the (B)OOST program - Together for a lively future in Kerkrade East. In this, the municipality works together with HEEMwonen, Wonen-Zuid, Impuls, MeanderGroep, and with residents, entrepreneurs and social organizations in the neighborhood. The partners are joining forces to create a safe, healthy and social living environment in which residents are actively involved in the future of their neighborhood.

Alderman Alexander Geers (Municipality of Kerkrade): 'Together with the Province, our alliance partners and the residents of Kerkrade East, we are committed to a positive and sustainable change of the neighborhood. A strong neighborhood starts with the strength of its residents: and that strength is plentiful here!

The cooperation agreement brings together ongoing and planned projects in the areas of housing, Health, safety, education, community centers, youth initiatives and basic skills. In all, it involves about 150 initiatives that collectively contribute to one integrated vision: a vibrant, future-oriented neighborhood where everyone feels at home.

Provincial approach with impact

The purpose of the agreements is to achieve sustainable improvements in each priority neighborhood or village in Limburg through joint implementation plans and concrete agreements on responsibilities and goals. The Province of Limburg is investing a total of 12 million euros in this area-oriented approach, intended to make a structural impact on livability and livelihood security. In addition, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, a learning network is being set up so that experiences from Limburg can serve as an example for other regions in the Netherlands.