Housing construction in Roden-Zuid is divided into five sub-areas by the municipality of Noordenveld. The Beukenhof location is less intensively built up than, for example, the eastern and western sub-areas. “At Roden-Zuid we go for the 30-30-40 ratio,” says Darwinkel. “That means: 30 percent social housing, 30 percent affordable housing and 40 percent detached. We will achieve that across the entire neighborhood, but in some parts the ratio will be slightly different. For example, the middle part is built on wetter soil, so You can imagine that you build less intensively there than on the flanks.”
The intention is that Roden-Zuid will have a ‘village and green’ character. “Anyone driving from Norg should have a nice entrance and from Roderesch you should not have to look at high-rise buildings. So we want green edges and the buffer between Roderesch and Roden, which will remain normal.”
Furthermore, the Steenbergerloop, which runs straight through the area, should be given more space. “We may then be able to add recreation where the De Hulhorst riding school currently stands.”
The traffic situation in Roden-Zuid is still being considered. Many children already cycle to school from the Roderveld district on the busy Hullenweg. When a completely new neighborhood arises, traffic will increase. “We are looking at a different use for the road,” says Darwinkel. This could include a cycle path along the road, so that cyclists and cars are separated. “But you can also think of measures that reduce the speed of cars.”
Darwinkel wants to discuss this with residents in the area. “I would like to hear how this can be improved,” he says. “And of course the question will soon be how to get the new residents of Roden-Zuid safely to the village and the associations by bike.”
In any case, the intention is for residents to be involved in the further implementation of the plan. “As far as we are concerned, this will be the most beautiful residential area in the Netherlands and we would like to get help from the population,” says the councilor.
This does not mean, however, that the entire ‘participation process’ will be held again. “We have had the question of whether there should be a residential area,” Darwinkel emphasizes. “We have designated the sites for housing and are now continuing with the exact design.”
During the council meeting on Wednesday, November 1, the Noordenveld municipal council will most likely release the plan for consultation. Darwinkel hopes that the council will approve the final plan in the first quarter of 2024. After that, it could take ‘until 2025 or 2026’ before the shovel actually goes into the ground.”