Goirle as an Example in Water Transition: Minister Mona Keijzer on Working Visit

“This is really a very good example of where water, nature, and construction come together,” concluded Minister Keijzer at the end of the working visit. “In the construction of new homes, consideration has been given to water and soil. It is also a beautiful example of the collaboration between different governments. It perfectly shows what we want with the Spatial Planning Note. I will take this example to The Hague.”

Inspiring Example

Goirle is an inspiring example, concluded the minister at the end of the working visit. Here, work has been underway for several years on a new way of dealing with water and making it clear to citizens and businesses how they need to consider water and the effects of climate change in the long term. Instead of pumping the water away, it is given more space in the environment. This is an example of what we mean by the water transition.

Water board Erik de Ridder of the Water Authority De Dommel believes it is important that water authorities are involved from the beginning in such projects. “With clear agreements about quality with the developer, we can limit risks of climate damage. This is how we also see the water calendar: being honest about risks, but also adapting to good initiatives. For that, support from the national government is needed. This visit from Minister Keijzer is therefore highly appreciated.

Space for Soil and Water is Essential

Saskia Boelema, deputy of the province of North Brabant: “With the changing climate, we are increasingly seeing how great the challenges are regarding drought, waterlogging, and water quality in Brabant. At the same time, the solutions also contribute to biodiversity (The variety of life in a certain area), our health, and the economy. Therefore, space for water and soil is essential. Here in Goirle, it is visible what is possible when you take that space into account in the plans on time. This creates a robust system that is better able to withstand both drought and waterlogging. In my opinion, an inspiring example for all of Brabant and the Netherlands! We also highly appreciate that the minister was present today. Only through collaboration between the national government, province, municipalities, and water authorities can we truly succeed in the water transition.”

Smartly Dealing with Apparent Contradictions

Minister Keijzer visited Goirle because here, apparent contradictions have been dealt with smartly. At the southern edge of the village, where the Roovertsche Leij and the Poppelse Leij come together, a brook valley has been set up that can capture large amounts of water. In wet periods, a lot of water also flows in from Belgium. At the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, the water even reached the future construction sites.

At the same time, the region has a great need for new homes. By making smart choices and combining functions, homes are being built here, taking into account the water and soil system. – this was possible by looking for opportunities outside the existing frameworks. Thus, rainwater is no longer drained via the sewer, but slowly seeps away in wadi’s. This helps against drought and keeps the groundwater level up.

Green Neighborhoods with Industrial Heritage

On old factory sites, sustainable, green neighborhoods have been built. Water visibly plays an important role here. In the Land van Anna neighborhood, water can even reach the gardens during prolonged rain – deliberately designed this way, so that the brook safely gets the space it needs.

Councilor Liselotte Franssen: “Through intensive collaboration and careful attention to water, ecology, and cultural history, this beautiful residential area has been created. The South Edge in Goirle naturally connects the center of our village with the brook valley and the countryside and tells the story of our textile history.”

Conclusion

The new residential areas in Goirle show that building new homes, taking into account water and soil, is not only necessary but also offers opportunities. When governments, water authorities, and developers collaborate and look beyond their own boundaries, water can contribute to livable, climate-resilient, and attractive neighborhoods.