The municipality of Hellevoetsluis wants to combine all development projects planned for Hellevoetsluis Zuidoost into a single area strategy. A strategy that leaves room for a solar farm, a new neighbourhood and an access road. The municipality has asked Over Morgen to be in charge of the project management. Here, the energy transition proves to be a great catalyst for sustainable urban development.
Our solution
The company Farm Frites is situated in Hellevoetsluis Zuidoost. It has been located on the south side of the city for years and, since a recent municipal reorganisation, falls within the municipal boundaries of Hellevoetsluis. Farm Frites needs to make its energy consumption more sustainable and plans to build a 19 ha large solar farm. The municipality and the company are looking for options to divert the freight traffic to and from the company outside the residential areas by building a new road. Last but not least, there are advanced plans to build a new residential area, the Akkerranden in Oudenhoorn. These three projects together have a major impact on the residents’ living environment and require an integrated approach for the whole area.
Over Morgen was the spider in the web throughout the whole strategic process; not only mediating between client Farm Frites and the municipality of Hellevoetsluis, but also coordinating with residents and consultants, such as the landscape architect entrusted with fitting the projects into the environment. With a well-defined communication plan, we have approached all local residents and invited them to several information sessions, where we played the moderator role. People were also asked about the developments and especially the opportunities to be included in the area strategy by means of an online survey. With question-and-answer lists, we made this information transparent for everyone and drafted a report. The area strategy for Hellevoetsluis Zuidoost was adopted by the city council within 6 months (19.04.2019). This area strategy is the current framework that regulates the implementation of all other plans.