The Randstad 20 and 21 area, currently mainly an industrial zone, will undergo a complete transformation in the coming years. With approximately 2,200 new homes, more green spaces, nearby amenities, and improved connections, this part of Randstad will grow into a lively urban neighborhood that strengthens the center of Almere. The city council is now presented with the Randstad 2.0 Development Framework. If the council agrees, further development can begin step by step.
“With Randstad 2.0, we are building a vibrant city center where you feel at home,” says Alderman for Central Development Maaike Veeningen. “It will become greener and more attractive for residents and visitors. We are adding amenities while still leaving space for businesses. This way, the heart of the city grows with Almere’s future.”
In the future, this area will have space for healthcare facilities such as a general practitioner or primary care, places for neighborhood and community activities, and small-scale shops like a convenience store or gym. This creates a neighborhood where residents can arrange many things nearby. For visitors, residents, and entrepreneurs in the city center, these facilities provide more liveliness and a pleasant environment.
Living and working
Randstad 20 and 21 will have homes in various price ranges and types. Alderman for Spatial Planning and Housing Paul Tang says: “With Randstad 2.0, we add homes that Almere urgently needs. They will have a clear distribution: 40 percent social rental, 40 percent affordable housing, and 20 percent private sector. This keeps living in and around the center accessible for everyone.”
About 30,000 m² will remain available for businesses. This creates a mixed residential and work area that provides dynamism and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The Randstad 20 site lies between the railway and Drossaardlaan. Randstad 21 is directly behind it, bordering Drossaardlaan and Stadsweteringpad. Drossaardlaan will change from a busy avenue into a city street with wide sidewalks, safe bike paths, and more trees. Old trees will be replaced by a strong, future-proof tree structure. This makes the street more pleasant, greener, and safer.
Realizing this part of the Stadsweteringpark is part of the plan. The greenery will extend into the area and connect to new walking and cycling routes. Randstad will become part of a network of green spaces in and around the city center. Cars will still be allowed, but the emphasis will be more on walking, cycling, and public transport. Sustainable, collective energy solutions that save energy and relieve the network are also being explored.
Step by step
Once the city council adopts the development framework, Randstad 2.0 can be developed and realized in phases. This allows the area to continue functioning while gradually transforming into a future-proof urban neighborhood: green, urban, and close by.
Visualizations of the planned development:
