Kerkrade Environment Vision 2050
Surprising Kerkrade, 't sjunste óp de welt
Imagine our city in 25 years' time. Kerkrade will be an even more vibrant, future-proof municipality where it is pleasant to live, work, and relax. The streets will be green, amenities will be close by, and bustling city life will be well balanced with nature. We will have combined the power of our rich history and identity even better with innovative, sustainable solutions. Our heritage has been carefully preserved, but at the same time, Kerkrade has developed into a city that is ready for the future.
This future is not a dream, but a vision that we have shaped together with our residents, businesses, social organizations, and other stakeholders. The result of this joint process is the Kerkrade Environmental Vision, which sets the direction for the next 25 years. The vision is not just a policy document, but a strategy that helps us make the right choices for the physical living environment, for everyone who lives, works, or recreates here.
It is important that every resident of Kerkrade can identify with the administrators and the policies we pursue. Trust in the municipal administration is essential to the success of this vision. We want our community to feel involved in the changes that are coming our way, so that everyone feels heard and can be proud of the choices we make.
In the future, we want to develop Kerkrade around four key themes:
- A livable city where you always have amenities nearby and where life is good;
- A functioning city where living and working go hand in hand, enabling the city to grow both economically and socially;
- A multi-generational city, suitable for both young and old, so that everyone feels at home, regardless of age;
- A climate-resilient city that blends harmoniously into the landscape and preserves its natural beauty for future generations.
This vision forms the basis for concrete plans and projects that we want to realize over the next 25 years. But it is important that we continue to develop these plans in consultation with our community, so that Kerkrade remains a place where people feel connected, are proud of their city, and where we work together to build a sustainable and pleasant future.
So, imagine: Kerkrade in 2050. A city that is not only proud of its past, but also looks to the future with confidence. A city where everyone feels welcome, regardless of who you are or where you come from. Where we have found the right balance between growth, preservation, and quality of life. That is why we chose the title: 'Environmental Vision Kerkrade 2050: Surprising Kerkrade, 't sjunste óp de welt' (the most beautiful place in the world). This is the city we want to be, and together we will make this future a reality.
Reading guide
'Kerkrade as a unique municipality' describes the creation of the Environmental Vision. 'Core qualities under pressure' delves deeper into the issues that arise in the municipality. Why are the core qualities under pressure? The ambitions are set out in four storylines. Each storyline shows how we are working beyond the problem and back to quality. In 'From vision to action perspective', this is linked to a strategy that gives substance to the vision in area types and the policy measures associated with them. Finally, 'The vision in implementation' outlines the follow-up.
An Environmental Vision sets out the main lines and at the same time puts other visions, plans, and programs on the agenda that help to further flesh out the strategic policy.