National urban network Groningen-Assen

EXPANDING SPACE

Space typifies the Groningen-Assen region. Space that we want to cherish. At the same time we want to make the most of our economical opportunities. This paradox can only be realised if we work together. The Regiovisie Groningen-Assen 2030 is a spatial planning view that ignores administrative boundaries between municipali­ties and provinces. Participants are the provinces of Drenthe and Groningen and the municipalities Assen, Bedum, Groningen, Haren, Hoogezand-Sappemeer, Leek, Noordenveld, Slochteren, Ten Boer, Tynaarlo, Winsum and Zuidhorn.

SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES, PRESERVE YOUR IDENTITY

Regio Groningen-Assen has two ambitions the coming years. On the one hand we want to make the most of the economic opportunities of urban network Groningen-Assen and expand it. On the other hand we want to opt for those qualities the region is known for: the combination of town and countryside, with a rich variety of landscapes, living and work environments. In other words: urbanisation at a human level, peace ánd space.

The Groningen-Assen region, as ‘Driving force of the North’, is on course to become a substantial urban network, nationally ánd internationally. In 2030 we want to be a vital link between the important urban centres in northwestern Europe. A swift railway link between Amsterdam and Groningen – and later to Germany - gives it a considerable impulse. 

RICH HARVEST, BETTER CO-OPERATION

Co-operation within the Groningen-Assen region started in 1996. We can now reap what we sowed then. We have worked on economical development and improving the disadvantaged local job market. We have created varied, attractive living conditions. We have protected landscape qualities. We have created unique facilities and organised talked about events. And we have put a lot of work into the accessibility to, from and within the region. Additionally, there is much better co-operation within the Groningen-Assen region and several new plans are being made.

NOURISH QUALITY, PLAY YOUR TRUMP CARDS

To improve the economic position even further, three themes dealing with spatial planning guidelines have been chosen for the coming years. The regional core qualities will not only be nourished, they will also be used as trump cards.

• Specialisation and complementation

We are going to improve our existing economical functions. Groningen City is the place for top facilities, Assen, as Drenthe’s provincial seat, offers additional urban living and work environments. The remaining municipalities, with their green living areas, complement what is on offer.

• Centring around the T-structure

Regional life and work centres around the vertical axis Groningen-Assen and the horizontal one formed by Roden/Leek, Groningen and Hoogezand-Sappemeer. For spatial planning we have chosen to boost the T-structure - this way we concentrate urbanisation and preserve the rural area.

• Landscape variations

The region has varied landscapes where the values of nature, landscape and water are central. The rural area fits in with urbanisa­tion like a hand in a glove. Multiple use of space is our starting point.

STRONG AMBITIONS, CONSIDERABLE ASSIGNMENTS

Our Regiovisie ambitions have been translated into a regional agenda – it mentions the assignments for participating provinces and municipalities in the coming years.

The regional agenda’s assignments are:

–        To strengthen economic development and profile

–        To make sustained development possible

–        To cushion the demand for urbanisation

–        To develop the countryside to fit the urban centres’ template, paying attention to water storage and management

–        To strengthen spatial quality and the regional identity

–        To anticipate future demographic and social developments

-        To create lifetime housing 

MORE HOUSING, LESS USE OF SPACE

The number of inhabitants in the Groningen-Assen region will increase considerably over the coming years, and with it the demand for houses in all shapes and sizes. Our answer: to build almost 43,000 new houses by 2020. In addition, around 17,000 old houses are being replaced with new ones.

To take nature and the countryside into consideration, we are placing new housing developments on the outskirts of the city and in more urbanised centres within the T-structure. 

MORE JOBS, LESS VULNERABLE

We are assuming that the local economy will have an annual growth of about two percent in the next few years. This means that around 60,000 new jobs will be created by 2030. Space for this should be found within the T-structure as much as possible. We are stimulating growth sectors such as IT, life sciences and energy. The arts, culture, education, knowledge and care sectors will receive ample attention also. Additionally, enough room should remain available for the more traditional sectors such as manufac­turing, trade and transport. This way we will prevent the area from becoming vulnerable due to a one-sided economical structure. We will create new manufacturing and office space. 

BETTER CONNECTIONS, SHORTER DISTANCES

The A7, A28 and railway lines within the T-structure provide the most important links with and within the Groningen-Assen region. These connections can be used even more effectively. Over the next few years we will further develop the Kolibri OV-Netwerk for more and better public transport in the area. We will start with improving regional train services and main bus lines; we will also invest heavily in the accessibility of urban centres.

OLD LANDSCAPES, NEW SCENERY

The Groningen-Assen region still has enough peacefulness and space.

We want to leave enough room for the scenery and countryside by concentrating life and work within the T-structure where pos­sible. We are planning to invest heavily in the countryside; we will create new scenery and cherish age-old culture landscapes. The basic principle is to create a buoyant and natural water system.

REGIONAL DIRECTION, LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION

The Groningen-Assen region is working on an ambitious programme. Participants carry out most of the programme’s assignments themselves; four large projects will be receiving regional direction. The Steering Committee makes and monitors the agreements to co-operate. To achieve the objectives set for living space, work and the landscape, we have nominated seven design tasks. These apply to the sectors North, Southwest and Southeast as well as Groningen, Assen and Hoogezand-Sappemeer - the centres Leek and Roden share one. The municipalities and provinces involved implement these design tasks themselves, with involvement from the public and social organisations. A Quality Team consisting of renowned designers will ensure the best possible designs and plans.

Each year participants pay into to a regional fund, crucial regional projects will be (partly) financed by it. During the 2005 – 2009 period it concerns an investment programme of almost one billion euros.

• Kolibri

The Kolibri OV-Netwerk offers a complete package for public transport and will service the area quickly and efficiently. Trains will run more frequently and more stations will be introduced, bus and rail routes will also be better connected. Groningen City will introduce a high-quality public transport system. Additionally, ring roads around Groningen and Assen will be improved and cycle routes will be built to and from Groningen and Assen. 

• Regiopark

The Regiopark project deals with the co-ordinated realisation of the rural area assignments, to increase the use and perception value of the landscape.

• Initial landscape investment

There are only a small number of areas available for housing developments within the Groningen-Assen region, as nature and the countryside are too valuable elsewhere. This means that less obvious areas are being considered. We work together to make an initial investment in the landscape to make it more appealing for future house building. 

• Business Parks

For the Groningen-Assen region to be competitive, it is essential that there are enough high-quality business parks. We want to concentrate them along the T-structure. Thanks to regional direction, demand and supply can be geared towards one another.

Internal competition between municipalities is no longer necessary; attention is directed at the optimum usage of the best locations. Risks and investments are shared.