Environmental vision Sittard-Geleen: Working together for a resilient future

The City Council of Sittard-Geleen has adopted a new environmental vision. This is the vision of the municipality of Sittard-Geleen on the future of the physical living environment which covers themes such as housing, work, mobility, sustainability, and heritage.

The vision provides direction and anticipates future developments. The objective is to ensure a pleasant and future-proof environment, in which residents, entrepreneurs, and organisations co-create and contribute to a resilient Sittard-Geleen. The council proposed several amendments to the proposed text. Sometimes for clarification, in other cases for more focus. The amendments will be processed in the final version of the environmental vision. Afterwards, the vision will be available online via the Environmental Desk (Omgevingsloket).

Co-creation of city and village

The municipality of Sittard-Geleen is growing and changing. Developments in the areas of climate, housing, energy, and the environment play a major role in this. The environmental vision combines these themes and shows how the municipality can achieve a sustainable and balanced development. The vision indicates the future steps of the municipality and is also an invitation to others in society to co-create city and village together. The principles of the environmental vision are in line with the Future Vision 2030, which was generated with the input of society.

A clear direction for the future

The environmental vision is a framework for plans and initiatives in the municipality, e.g. for housing projects, business parks, infrastructure, and nature development. The choices in the vision ensure a balance between social, economic, and ecological interests. With dedicated development perspectives for different areas in the municipality, such as the city centres of Sittard and Geleen, residential areas, villages, and the countryside. The goal is to create room for development while existing qualities are protected.

Making the best choices together

Residents, entrepreneurs, and organisations were closely involved in creating the environmental vision. The municipality engaged in conversations and gathered input and insights in various phases. For example, in 2023, a 'Photo of the Living Environment' was made, mapping out the current situation and trends. This was followed by a draft version and design vision, which was presented to residents and other stakeholders for further feedback. By working together, a widely supported plan was created.

From vision to execution

The environmental vision is not a static document but will be updated regularly. In the coming years, the goals and ambitions will be translated into implementation programmes. Progress will be closely monitored so that the municipality can make timely adjustments. In this way, Sittard-Geleen will continue to develop into a strong and future-proof municipality.