On the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, in the area between Amersfoort (A) and Zeist (Z), much comes together. Nature, housing, work, water, recreation and defense meet in this valuable natural landscape. This requires coordination. That is why the province, the municipalities of Amersfoort, Leusden, Soest and Zeist, the Vallei and Veluwe Water Board, the De Stichtse Rijnlanden Water Board and the Ministry of Defense asked PosadMaxwan, Arcadis and Land-ID to jointly explore this through design research and to bring together the spatial choices in the Area Perspective A to Z.
The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a beloved area. People like to come here to walk, cycle and enjoy peace and quiet. It is also an area in transition. Droughts and downpours are changing nature and groundwater levels, recreational areas are becoming increasingly crowded, while we want to protect natural areas, and the demand for space for housing, work, energy and Defence activities is increasing.
Not everything can be done everywhere. In the design study, the area partners distilled a series of guiding principles from nine spatial themes, identifying three priority themes:
- Soil and (ground)water: explicitly opting for vital, clean soil and increasing groundwater reserves.
- Nature: making room for and preserving green landscape structures.
- Defence: making room for the growth and intensification of Defence.
1/4
Soil and (ground)water
The groundwater, of high quality due to natural purification, is crucial for nature and surrounding areas and an important strategic reserve for drinking water in the Netherlands. Therefore, improving water quality, preventing pollution and increasing rainwater infiltration are prioritized. This translates into measures that focus on 'softening' public spaces in area developments, compact building with a limited footprint, and increasing the infiltration of rainwater into the groundwater system. A major improvement can be achieved in the existing city by greening and softening urban public spaces.
Nature
The landscape is characterized by extensive forests, consisting of both coniferous and deciduous trees, and is of high value for the National Ecological Network of the Netherlands. To strengthen ecological values, the Area Perspective focuses on separating nature corridors from recreational functions, and better connecting two important corridors, west of Soesterberg and near Camp New Amsterdam. The goal is to minimize disruptions to ecological connections and sustainably increase biodiversity in the area.
Defence
Defense has been present in the area since the 17th century because of its strategic location in the middle of the country. It is deeply rooted in the area and a major employer. After decades of shrinkage, substantial growth and intensification are now foreseen. This requires additional development space. As a vital function of national security, it is essential to provide space in the short term and to respond flexibly to future needs. Facilitating this growth, combined with the renewal and sustainable upgrading of Defence real estate, is therefore a priority.
1/7
Area Perspective
The long-term transition of A to Z builds on soil and (ground)water, nature and Defence. The combination of these qualities makes the spatial and social character of the Hillside unique. The future perspective for A to Z strengthens these qualities and thus provides an answer to the current challenges of the area partners, by giving direction and helping to prioritize choices.
The priority themes provide direction for choices in case of conflicting space claims and interests. These strategic directions are elaborated per subarea in the Area Perspective. The guiding principles and priority themes are further elaborated in the spatial planning instruments, such as environmental plans, of the governments involved.
1/3
The area perspective for Amersfoort to Zeist (A to Z) was adopted on December 18, 2025. On Feb. 13, 2026, the administrators and the minister signed a joint agreement ratifying cooperation and setting out the agreements for the next phase.
