This is the third cooperation agreement that Deputy Marc van Caldenberg has signed with municipalities and partner organizations for the implementation of the Area-Oriented Neighborhoods and Villages Approach for eight Limburg municipalities. On February 4, signatures were placed in the Blerick district Vastenavondkamp in Venlo, and for Kerkrade-East this was on November 6, 2025. In the coming weeks, other signing moments will follow in Beesel, Maastricht, Roermond, Geleen-South, and Vaals.
Addressing Major Challenges
Heerlen-Noord is one of twenty areas in the Netherlands where the national government, local and regional parties jointly focus on reducing social and societal disadvantages. The focus neighborhoods Kasteelbuurt and Hoofdstraat face major challenges such as vacancy, limited economic activity, outdated housing, and people in vulnerable situations. Province of Limburg aims to align its area-oriented approach with local needs and make a difference together with residents, partners, and knowledge institutions.
From Individual Projects to a Long-Term Program
An integrated long-term plan will be developed for the neighborhoods, addressing various topics simultaneously such as safety, economy, social issues, and neighborhood appearance. Clear goals will be set to clarify expected results and prevent fragmentation of projects. It is important to share knowledge and experiences from practice and to closely monitor results to learn from them. This is done together with, among others, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, the Open University, Maastricht University, and Pharos via the Academy for Social Urban Development. A special training program (Course) will also be offered for professionals working on neighborhood approaches.
Important Step Forward
Deputy Marc van Caldenberg emphasizes the importance of this long-term cooperation: “Those standing on the sidelines are often unnoticed. Remain unseen. That must change. Here in Heerlen-Noord, they will do it differently. Our assignment is large, but we are not deterred. With the cooperation agreement between Province of Limburg and our partners in the National Program, we take an important step forward. We will work structurally, long-term, and integrally on livability and safety. Only in this way can we sustainably improve people’s lives. Heerlen-Noord is for me the proof of hope for better, hope that can always come true.”
Together for a Better Future
With this agreement, Province of Limburg together with its partners, residents, and local organizations takes important steps towards a better future. The province hopes that the lessons learned and successful approaches in Heerlen-Noord can serve as an inspiration for other neighborhoods in Limburg and beyond.