Exploration G6

Driving the transformation of inner cities

The Dutch city centers are on the eve of a major transition. Where to is not a question.

Assignment
The objectives of the G6 city center exploration are to map out the challenges in the large city centers and to clarify the possibilities that require joint action.The objectives of the G6 city center exploration are to map out the challenges in the large city centers and to clarify the possibilities that require joint action.

Result
Four recommendations that call for more cooperation and knowledge exchange between the municipalities.

Location
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Utrecht, Groningen, Den Haag

Client
Municipalities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Utrecht, Groningen, Den Haag, and Ministerie BZK

Collaboration
Stec Group

Period
August 2022 – April 2023

Marco Broekman

Geert Das

Saskia Kleij

Rapport Verkenning Vitale Binnensteden – Sturen Op Transformatie

The Dutch city centers are on the eve of a major transition. The mix of functions is changing rapidly, mobility in transition and climate challenges must also be solved in the inner cities. This certainly also applies to the centers of the six largest cities in the Netherlands. Where and how is the question.

BURA - 2112_g6_verkenning vitale binnensteden_210715_kaartjes nieuwsberichten3 — Illustration G6 cities

BURA - G6_verkenning_vitale_binnensteden_220420_deelgebieden — These maps show the division into sub-areas within the contours of the city center defined by the cities. The pie chart shows the distribution of functions by surface in the buildings (Rudifun 2021)

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Sub-areas and program, Amsterdam

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Housing and green, Amsterdam

MXI, Amsterdam

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Meeting function and culture, Amsterdam

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Three important tasks for the G6 cities emerge from the research:

City center programming: facilities, living and working
The mix of functions in the inner cities has changed. Shopping is declining and services and housing are increasing. The task is twofold; how can the programming of the inner cities be controlled, and what should the eventual mix of functions for the inner cities be?

Undermining, degradation and impoverishment
The influence of criminal money in the inner cities can be large; apart from undesirable illegal practices, it also has spatial-programmatic consequences: it leads to a decline in the supply, with many of the same type of facilities on offer, with an unattractive appearance.

Pressure on public space: living together, mobility and sustainability
Because the public space is so intertwined with all themes in the city centre, it is especially important to balance and bring together the various interests, wishes and policy areas.

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Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Amsterdam

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This future perspective shows more room for other facilities such as supermarkets, pharmacies and music schools.

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Four recommendations have been drawn up in order to tackle the problems found:

Research the future program of the inner cities;
Explore the opportunities for public space;
Real estate as key; planning management based on commercial functions and branches;
More grip on the role of real estate in undermining, degradation and impoverishment.

These four recommendations call for more cooperation and knowledge exchange between the municipalities, where necessary supported by central government. In addition to spatial research, the joint exploration and development of policy instruments also plays an important role. In order to keep the inner cities vital and attractive, the major tasks must now be tackled integrally!