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.
Utrecht was one of my favourite cities when I visited (Zwolle was also beautiful). It was amazing to see an entire country that’s focused on avoiding car dependence 💜
Well… Not quite, unfortunately. A heavily car-centric right-wing party has been the ruling party here for decades now. Fortunately, they know trying to get rid of our bicycle culture would be bad for votes.