Limburg wants to build 30,000 homes near train stations

The province of Limburg believes that over 30,000 housing units can be built near six major railway stations by 2040. The homes are intended for both housing seekers from Limburg and further afield. Together with the municipalities of Heerlen, Maastricht, Roermond, Sittard-Geleen, Weert and Venlo, Limburg has written a plan, called Limburg Centraal, for housing development within a 1.5-kilometer radius of these stations. With the project, according to the province, "not only will housing construction get a boost, but also the economic development of Limburg and the quality of life in the immediate area."

In the Woondeal Limburg, it was agreed that 26,550 housing units would be realized in Limburg in the period up to and including 2030. In addition, during the conclusion of the deal the ambition for an additional 20,000 homes was expressed. The Woondeal number was increased by 3,000 housing units by the end of 2023. Limburg offers space, making it one of the regions that can contribute to the growth challenges of the Netherlands. Growth that offers opportunities for Limburg cities in terms of economy, facilities and livability.

Limburg Central

The proposition "Limburg Central" is about realizing housing in the immediate vicinity of the six intercity stations. The proposition shows that there is room for over 30,000 homes within a circle of 1.5 kilometers (15 minutes walking distance). Of these, about 1/3rd of the numbers are already included in the Woondeal. But Limburg Central is about more than housing; it shows how we want to design our urbanization in a sustainable way: integrated; living, working and life and a Limburg that is well connected to its environment.

In addition to examining the possibilities of developing this large-scale housing location (Limburg Central) in Limburg, the Province is talking with all Limburg municipalities to possibly realize new housing development on the edges of the existing built-up core for the cores where livability is under pressure.

Collaboration is prerequisite

All these developments require commitment from all involved. They are intensive processes to actually start implementing desired ambitions. The beginning is there. The Limburg parties are enthusiastic and think in terms of opportunities and possibilities Minister De Jonge also sees opportunities for Limburg. The cabinet formation is important for the cooperation with the State and for the steps that can be taken with regard to housing and the entire spatial task of the Netherlands.
Minister de Jonge has announced that Limburg will be included as a search area for large-scale housing construction in the preliminary draft of the National Spatial Strategy. This means that we will take Limburg Centraal a step further and make agreements about this during the upcoming consultations with various ministries in June of this year.