Alphen and Arnhem roll out new green city‑centre plans

The municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn has launched the "Gezond Stadshart" programme to transform its city centre into the healthiest and greenest area of the Groene Hart. The first visible step is an underground water buffer beneath the Aarplein that can store 500,000 litres of rainwater for use in local greening projects, funded by a European GreenLED Life subsidy and marked by a corten‑steel art installation. The programme, supported by a coalition of local organisations, aims to make the centre climate‑resilient and attractive by 2035.

In Arnhem, a new four‑year coalition agreement between PRO, D66, Party for the Animals, CDA and local groups sets out an ambitious green agenda. Measures include a city‑wide 30 km/h speed limit, a requirement that at least 60 % of new housing in affluent districts be social‑rent, and a target of 70 % affordable housing in new builds. The pact re‑introduces the "diftar" pay‑per‑bag waste fee, expands smoke‑free parks, bans fireworks shows, and funds additional municipal enforcement officers, all financed by higher property and waste taxes.