In the heart of Noorderpark, Province of Utrecht, Hoogheemraadschap de Stichtse Rijnlanden (HDSR), Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht, and the municipalities of De Bilt, Stichtse Vecht, and Utrecht signed an important cooperation agreement on October 31, 2025. The parties are joining forces to prepare Noorderpark for the future. The first step is to create a future plan (until 2050) for Noorderpark and start projects that can be implemented within five years.
The signing of the cooperation agreement ‘Area-oriented cooperation governments Noorderpark 2025-2026’ marks the beginning of intensive collaboration. The governments will jointly investigate what the area needs to preserve and strengthen its qualities. They will combine this into one joint approach. Farmers, managers, residents, entrepreneurs, and other users of the area will also be involved. Their knowledge, experiences, and ideas are important for the future of Noorderpark.
For deputy Mirjam Sterk, Noorderpark is a very beautiful area with significant challenges, both from rural and urban perspectives. It is great that the governments are taking up the challenge and that we will work together with farmers, managers, residents, entrepreneurs, and other users to find the best approach. This may not always be easy and will require difficult choices here and there, but we are doing it together.
Noorderpark: a unique area with major challenges
Noorderpark is a special area located between the Loosdrechtse Plassen and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. It lies within the municipalities of Utrecht, De Bilt, and Stichtse Vecht. It also includes the Utrecht part of the Natura 2000 area Eastern Vechtplassen. Noorderpark has a lot of valuable nature, beautiful landscapes, and opportunities for recreation. There is also much heritage to be found. At the same time, the area is under pressure due to the growth of nearby cities. This results in many challenges coming together, such as water, climate, nature, recreation, heritage, agriculture, and urbanization.
Funding is available for Noorderpark from the Utrecht Rural Area Program and the national Nature Program. This funding offers an opportunity to carry out projects in the short term that contribute to goals for nature, water, climate, and agriculture.
Collaboration planning
The future plan for Noorderpark must be ready by the end of 2026 and looks ahead to 2050. This plan will include concrete projects that make the area stronger, more beautiful, and future-proof.
For press information:
jytte.reichert@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 18 54 01 37