Walcheren unveils three future growth scenarios for 2050 to secure livability and jobs
Residents of Middelburg, Vlissingen, and Veere face critical choices as local governments outline three development paths for Walcheren by 2050. The plans aim to safeguard housing, jobs, and essential services like healthcare and education amid an aging population and economic shifts.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipalities Involved | Middelburg, Vlissingen, Veere |
| Project Name | Walcheren 2050 (part of Zeeland 2050) |
| Scenarios Explored | 3 (Current, Walcheren City, Walcheren City XL) |
| Resident Growth (Scenario 1) | +15,000 residents, +7,500 homes |
| Resident Growth (Scenario 2) | +30,000 residents, +15,000 homes |
| Resident Growth (Scenario 3) | +60,000 residents, +30,000 homes |
| Key Focus Areas | Employment, energy, mobility, healthcare, education, cultural heritage |
| Collaborating Bodies | Province of Zeeland, Dutch Government, Advisory Committee on Spatial Planning (CRa) |
| Next Steps | Public consultation, refinement of scenarios, policy decisions |
The municipalities of Middelburg, Vlissingen, and Veere are responsible for local spatial planning, housing, and economic development in Walcheren. Their collaboration with provincial and national authorities ensures alignment with broader regional goals, such as Zeeland 2050, to address long-term challenges like aging populations and infrastructure needs.
Read the full translated article below
Municipalities of Walcheren look ahead to Walcheren in 2050
The municipalities of Middelburg, Vlissingen, and Veere are collaborating on a shared vision for the future of Walcheren. How can we ensure that Walcheren remains a great place to live, work, and visit by 2050?
To achieve this, the municipalities have explored three possible directions. These scenarios highlight what is needed to maintain and enhance the quality of the living environment. The research shows that sufficient employment opportunities are crucial in this regard. The findings are intended to guide the new municipal councils and executives in making informed decisions for the future.
Why this exploration?
Walcheren is part of Zeeland 2050, which examines how Zeeland can develop in the future. The three municipalities of Walcheren have chosen to take the lead in this process, as it concerns our immediate living environment—the Walcheren where we live, work, and thrive.
That is why we are tackling this together, ensuring we maintain control over how our region develops. At the same time, it is essential to look ahead. As Walcheren continues to age, facilities such as shops, healthcare, and education will come under pressure.
This makes development necessary—not as an end in itself, but to keep Walcheren a strong and livable place for everyone who lives, works, or visits here.
Three directions for the future
The municipalities commissioned two agencies to explore three scenarios:
- Scenario 1 – Current development (+15,000 residents and +7,500 homes): We continue as currently planned.
- Scenario 2 – Walcheren City with additional development (+30,000 residents and +15,000 homes): Walcheren expands further with more homes and jobs.
- Scenario 3 – Walcheren City XL – Maximum development (+60,000 residents and +30,000 homes): Translating Zeeland 2050 and the Province of Zeeland’s ambition (+75,000 homes) into a Walcheren context. This is a highly ambitious vision requiring major choices in areas such as the economy, energy, and space.
The scenarios are designed to illustrate what Walcheren’s growth—whether minimal, significant, or substantial—could entail. The focus now is on inspiring discussion, sparking ideas, and providing some foundational evidence. No definitive conclusions have been drawn yet, as we aim to explore and refine these options in collaboration with councils, residents, and stakeholders in the coming period.
What does this mean for Walcheren?
Even if Walcheren develops according to current insights, significant changes are already on the horizon. We cannot continue doing everything as we do now—this is what we call a "trend break." This means we must reorganize how we operate. For example:
- Rethinking traffic and transportation
- Expanding the energy system
- Ensuring sufficient healthcare, education, and other facilities
- Using space more intelligently
Key infrastructure—such as energy, mobility, nature (nitrogen), and water—plays a major role in making this future possible.
Remaining an attractive place to live and work
The goal is to create an appealing living environment—a place where people enjoy living, working, and visiting.
Walcheren already has a strong foundation, and the research highlights the following pillars as particularly important:
- Education
- (Cultural) heritage
- Tourism and recreation
- The maritime cluster
These strengths will shape Walcheren’s further development.
Working together on the future
The three municipalities of Walcheren are consciously collaborating. What happens in one municipality impacts the others. Other government bodies are also involved, including the Province and the national government. The Dutch Government’s Advisory Committee on Spatial Planning (CRa) is providing advice. Moving forward, collaboration will remain essential—not only between the municipalities but also with the Province, the national government, and other partners.
What’s next?
Walcheren 2050 is part of Zeeland 2050, which explores how Zeeland can develop in the future. This research is just the first step. The findings will help new municipal councils and executives make informed choices for the future.
Summary
Walcheren is looking ahead to 2050.
- The goal is to maintain a high-quality living environment, both now and in the future
- The municipalities are jointly taking the lead in shaping Walcheren 2050 (as part of Zeeland 2050)
- Three possible development directions provide insight into what is required
- Development is necessary to maintain essential facilities. Employment opportunities are critical.
- Even without additional growth, changes are needed
- The foundations must be in order
- Walcheren builds on strong pillars such as education, (cultural) heritage, tourism and recreation, and the maritime cluster
- Municipalities are collaborating with the Province, the national government, and advisors
With this research, the municipalities are preparing to make informed decisions about the future of Walcheren.
Walcheren 2050 documents
- Appendix MUST exploration Walcheren PDF, 17.8 MB
- Appendix Ecorys Walcheren 2050 PDF, 1.7 MB