Between now and 2040 Zwolle will grow by 18,250 to 23,500 new homes. In the new Spatial Future Perspective, the Municipality of Zwolle, in collaboration with PosadMaxwan, shows how we are building a future-proof, livable and sustainable city. With more space for water, integral greenery, walking, cycling and public transport, local renewable energy, circular economy and large-scale business activity.
“Zwolle is growing. We’re not standing still. The city has been evolving for centuries and will continue to do so. The core question is: how do we want to grow? What kind of future are we working towards? And how can we strengthen what makes Zwolle special, so that we — and the generations after us — can continue to enjoy it?”
— Gerdien Rots, Alderman for Environmental Vision at the Municipality of Zwolle
Through participation and design processes, we have captured Zwolle's core values and translated them into spatial choices per theme. Several tasks come together in these key areas:
- City River- the green and blue backbone of the city
- Zwolle Zuid - expansion on the south side, including a new station
- The Ring - the main roads around the center will become a city ring
- Vechtrand - climate-resistant expansion east of the Ceintuurbaan
- Business parks - intensification and expansion of the beating heart of the economy
Basic values
In the process towards the Spatial Future Perspective we spoke with residents and stakeholders to determine the values that make Zwolle spatially attractive. The basic values emerged from these conversations as well as from the development principles in the current Environmental Vision and Urbanization Strategy. This resulted in four core values that give direction to the development of the city both now and in the future. The four core values are:
Zwolle close by through sustainable and attractive connectivity - Zwolle is known for its physical proximity, through good infrastructure for active forms of mobility and local accessibility to daily amenities.
Zwolle 'noaberschap' through strong social fabrics - This social connectedness forms the backbone of neighborhoods and districts to the city as a whole.
Zwolle delta sponge through a robust blue-green network - Climate change must ensure continued protection of people and functions in a vulnerable delta.
Zwolle entrepreneurial growth region - As an important hub, Zwolle connects not only the region, but also the northern provinces with the rest of the Netherlands.
“The qualities — or core values — of this green delta city form the foundation of the Spatial Future Perspective. They help make Zwolle resilient in the face of all the transitions and challenges ahead. From a strong regional position, with vibrant social networks, a blue-green structure, to compact forms of urban growth in and around the existing city. The key principle: new development should support and strengthen what’s already there.”
— Elbert Arens, Associate at PosadMaxwan
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The big themes for the future
Living
Zwolle wants to build a city where everyone feels at home. Exactly how many homes will be added depends on future developments. Growth takes place in balance. Between 18,250 and 23,500 homes will be added until 2040, including the 10,000 from the current environmental vision (2030). New houses will appear both in existing neighborhoods and in expansion districts in Vechtrand (Zwolle East) and south of Zwolle South.
Climate and water
Zwolle lies in the delta of the Vecht and the IJssel; the Sallandse Weteringen also flow toward the city. So there is a lot of water in the area. Due to climate change, dry and wet periods are becoming more extreme, making space for water necessary. Extra collection is created in both the city and the countryside to temporarily retain excess water in wet periods.
Greenery
Greenery is not only attractive to look at, but it is also put to full use. It contributes to health, biodiversity and climate adaptation. Green grows with the development of Zwolle. Two new city parks are part of this, within Stadsbroek and Vechtrand.
Mobility
The Ring Road (Ceintuurbaanzone, Zwartewaterallee, Blalo Road, IJsselallee and Oldeneelallee) will have an important role for car traffic, local and regional. Extra space will be created for walking, cycling and public transport, which will strengthen the residential area within the Ring. Zwolle is also an important railroad junction. A new station at Zwolle Zuid is part of this ambition.
Energy
Zwolle is moving towards energy neutrality. Local, sustainable generation, smart storage and a reliable energy network form the basis. Energy remains available and affordable for everyone. The energy transition requires space, both in the city, with new transformer houses, and in the outlying area to strengthen the network.
Economy
Zwolle remains the economic heart of the region. Intensification and expansion of business parks are important choices. Hessenpoort is developing into a site for circular economy and large-scale business activity. Marslanden offers space for SMEs and small-scale enterprises.
Where will Zwolle develop?
Developments that have already started will be completed. The existing city will be strengthened and at the same time space will be created for expansion on the edges of the city. Key areas have been designated for this.
Zwolle chooses to:
Continue building within existing neighborhoods
Connect city and nature, as Zwolle lives with water
Build on the edges of the city
Use business parks more efficiently and expand them
