advertentieThe Metropolitan Region of Utrecht (MRU) is ready to build 130,000 new homes in the next fifteen years. This will help solve the housing shortage in the Netherlands: 150,000 people will find a home. However, greater commitment from national politics is needed. The MRU writes this in a letter to all political parties, in the run-up to the elections.
The MRU is a collaboration of municipalities, the province of Utrecht, and surrounding areas. The region is growing rapidly due to its central location, strong economy, and pleasant living environment. More and more people want to live here. However, housing construction is at risk of stalling. This is due in part to issues with the electricity grid, shortages of drinking water, and long waiting times for permits.
Better public transport needed
For building many new homes, good public transport is essential. Therefore, the region wants the Merwedelijn to be established: a fast tram connection on the southwest side of Utrecht. Up to 75,000 new homes can be built in the Groot Merwede and Rijnenburg areas, the largest housing construction site in the Netherlands. Approximately 40,000 jobs will also be created. To improve accessibility in light of the growth challenge, the region wants investments in the Hoevelaken junction and Amersfoort Central station.
Politics must make decisions
The region calls on political parties to make clear choices now. There is an urgent need for:
- Funding for sustainable housing construction and additional costs for climate-adaptive building.
- Quick solutions for the full electricity grid.
- Clear rules for sustainable and circular building.
- A decisive and legally sound approach to nature restoration, so that permits can be issued again and the Netherlands can be freed from the nitrogen lock.
The plans to build approximately 130,000 new homes are already in place. However, the obstacles to construction can only be solved jointly by the national government and the region.
More investment in health and landscape
The Utrecht region also wants to continue growing as a center for knowledge and health. There is a plan to make the Utrecht Science Park the place for cancer research and innovative health solutions in the Netherlands. Support from the national government is needed for this.
Finally, the MRU wants to work together with the national government to protect nature and the landscape. Funding is needed for sustainable agriculture, nature restoration, and reducing nitrogen.
For press information:
jelmer.geerds@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 42 47 30 33
For press information:
lotte.mulders@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 39 25 06 62