Residents reflect on future with De Lelylijn

Imagine living in 2050, at a time when the Lelylijn has been there for a while. What advantages and disadvantages do you experience as a resident?

The Lelylijn project explores the possibilities and potential value of the Lelylijn through five lines of research. One of the research lines is broad prosperity. Brede Welvaart is about quality of life, not only now, but also in the future and other places.

As part of the research, a number of workshops with residents were held. These workshops were organized in cooperation with Social Planning Agency Groningen, Trendbureau Drenthe and the Planbureau Fryslân.

Workshops with residents on Brede Welvaart

During the interactive workshops, residents were able to participate and think about Brede Welvaart and the Lelylijn. The workshops were held at all kinds of locations along the possible route (from Amsterdam, via the Flevopolder, to both Groningen city and Leeuwarden and the rural area in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland). The workshops involved as many target groups as possible: high school students, students at colleges, universities and universities, young professionals, people of working age and retirees.

Workshop participants were asked to think about the future of our regions and the role the Lelylijn can play in it. The workshop started from the four mindsets that have been drawn up for a possible future with a Lelylijn, along with a 0-scenario, a future in which no Lelylijn is constructed.

Meeting in Fryslân highlighted

During one of the meetings in Fryslân, the following points were mentioned as important:

Less ’emotional’ distance experience between Randstad and the north due to reduced travel time for commuters, broadening of job and educational opportunities, cultural experiences and leisure activities within reach faster, possibly better living environment, climate robust; due to improved public transport possibilities less car use. Participants had concerns about potentially increasing “living speed,” costs and income inequality, among others.

In September 2024, the Lelylijn project organization expects to share the total results of the broad welfare impact study.

Read more about the Brede Welvaart research line.