Construction of a new neighborhood is set to begin in Utrecht next week. The neighborhood, called Merwede, is scheduled to be the largest car-free district in the Netherlands, with 6,000 homes. The area will be between the Merwedekanaal and Park Transwijk, in the southwestern part of the city, and will be able to house an estimated 12,000 people.The area consists of 1,800 social rental homes, 1,500 mid-range rental and affordable owner-occupied homes, and 2,700 private sector rental and owner-occupied homes, according to the municipality.
I live in Utrecht… I sometimes see how it is in car-centric countries. It really is a relief to come back home. I don’t even have a driver’s license, I use my (folding) bicycle+public transport for everything.
How did this come about? Do you just have good local politicians or is there another ingredient?
I would like to take this moment to express my profound, yet jaded, jealousy.