The aim of this project is to improve social cohesion in the area by stimulating the economic and social involvement of vulnerable groups. The creation of a multifunctional setup will help to increase the involvement of local people. The “Vorstelijk Complex” will answer broad social needs.

A multifunctional facility will be created that will have the role of a social and cultural centre. The Christina School and the Beatrix School will be renovated and a theatre will be built between the two schools. Inside the buildings, multifunctional areas will be created for neighbourhood work and for the different target groups in the neighbourhood.

Apart from this investment, activities will be organised for the various target groups. Various partners will be involved in the project. The enthusiasm of local people will be encouraged through regular newsletters informing them about the project.

The creation of a vibrant social and cultural heart in the Zuilen district, where various activities will be organised for different target groups, including specific activities for young people, pensioners, women and immigrants.

European subsidy: € 800.000
Total cost: € 7.598.000

This project has been partially funded with Objective 2 funds. Since 2000 nine cities have been eligible for the Objective 2 Urban Areas in the Netherlands programme, which forms part of the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD) of the European Union. EFRD is one of the four Structural Funds of the European Commission. The programme helps cities to carry out projects that benefit disadvantaged areas.

In the Netherlands, total European Objective 2 subsidies concern 192 million euros. 4.25% of the Dutch population lives in the selected areas.

The European Commission prescribes that for every euro from the EFRD, a minimum of one euro must be contributed from the government. The cities must therefore add their own public or private funding to the European subsidy. The European programme is linked to the urban plans agreed within the context of the urban policy of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. For this, the cities can make use of funds that have been allocated to them in the context of the national urban policy.

Utrecht Westflank - local programme management
Phone: +31 30 2861603

02/05/2005

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Social services