NOVEX Development Perspective. :Lelylijn

NOVEX Development Perspective.

The Development Perspective is a spatial future sketch of the NOVEX area Lelylijn containing a promising Lelylijn, including appropriate area development. The future sketch assumes a bundling of the Lelylijn with the national roads A6/A7/A32. This Development Perspective determines whether it is worthwhile to realize Lelylijn.

The realization of the Lelylijn is combined along with plans for housing, workplaces, amenities and more. The strengths and identity of the region are the starting point. Water and soil are steering.

Ambition for the Lelylijn

The Development Perspective focuses on strengthening the urban network in the Northern Netherlands, combined with a vital and attractive countryside. We strive for efficient use of space. We make the cities more urban and the countryside remains village-like. De Lelylijn connects four NOVEX areas (Amsterdam, Zwolle, Groningen-Assen and Groningen). De Lelylijn is not only a means for better accessibility, but also an engine for economic growth, strengthening regional identity and spatial quality.

Structure of the Development Perspective: 4 pillars

In the Development Perspective, we build on the spatial proposals (in the framework Program NOVEX) of Fryslân, Groningen and Flevoland. And on the choices made in the NOVEX areas Metropolitan Region Amsterdam, Zwolle Region and Groningen-Assen.

We are committed to 4 pillars. It is not that one of the pillars is the most important for development. Each pillar contributes. The soil, water, and nature system give conditions to the other pillars.

Pillar 1. Positioning of Groningen and Leeuwarden

Groningen and Leeuwarden are the job engines of the northern Netherlands. A strong economy starts here. We are investing in a jump in scale in Groningen and Leeuwarden to drive the economy.

Pillar 2. Three independent Daily Urban Systems.

We distinguish three Daily Urban Systems around Lelylijn (North Netherlands, Zwolle Region and the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area). For the urban network in the Northern Netherlands to function properly, Heerenveen and Drachten will have to assume their natural position in the network and thus grow in size and urbanity. In addition, Lelystad forms the link between the MRA and the Northern Netherlands; to fulfill this role well, it will also have to grow in size. Emmeloord is growing in its role as the center city for the Northeast Polder and Urk.

Pillar 3. Vital cores and vital rural areas

Strong cities and vital rural areas need each other. The above pillars are necessary to keep the countryside vital. With urban facilities close by (urban network) and more high-city facilities at medium distances (Groningen, Leeuwarden and Lelystad), village centers will remain attractive locations for settlement in the future. Nearby, the green cities need a robust green contramal as a ‘walk-out’ area. This requires a quality leap in amenity value and spatial quality.

Pillar 4. A well-functioning soil, water, and natural system

The subsoil (the natural system) forms the basis of our Development Perspective. Soil, water and nature are guiding choices regarding future urbanization and also infrastructure.

The sequel

De Lelylijn offers many opportunities, but there are also areas of concern. For example, we need to think about housing construction: who are we building for, and what does this mean for the regional housing market and spatial quality? Also in the area of mobility is the question of how the regional public transport system will be organized, and what the consequences will be for areas without a station. An important concern is also how we combine peace, space and landscape with a new cut through the landscape by the railroad.

For more details, the full final report can be viewed on this page.