Plan for the centre of Emmeloord

A compact, congenial, lively centre of their own is what Emmeloord residents want. The contours of the new plan for the city centre have been drawn up step by step in consultation with the residents. This plan for the centre of Emmeloord is guided by eight design principles. They are the foundation of the urban design plan and are further elaborated in the visual quality guidelines.

The plan governs the spatial quality of the centre of Emmeloord, but at the same time leaves enough room for future developments. The design principles remain in force even if the plan is subject to modification. The design principles for the centre are:

1. Make the centre compact

2. Attach the centre to its surroundings

3.  Create strong contrasts in highlights

4. Ensure cirulation in the centre with shopping centres

5. Place façades opposite façades

6. Enclose big shops

7. Articulate car parks and make them green

The plan for the centre is flexible. Its precise implementation is further elaborated per district. The design principles remain in force: they ensure that the vacant spaces in the city centre are filled, that shopping streets are created with shops on both sides, and that streets are made attractive with greenery. Besides new shops, catering and residential functions are planned to promote the diversity and liveliness of the city centre.

The plan for the centre has been drawn up through an intensive open planning process in which residents could present their ideas, express their preferences, and make genuine choices for the future of their city centre. This process was already launched by the local authority in 2015 under the motto ‘Heart for Emmeloord’. It deliberately opted for a bottom-up approach to the centre, which is further elaborated step by step and will be implemented in the same way.