SUMP Zaanstad (Netherlands)

Project

More and more people are living and working in Zaanstad (a city in the Netherlands situated northwest of Amsterdam). The population is expected to grow to 200.000 in the next 20 years. That leads to a housing challenge of 20,000 houses. How will Zaanstad remain accessible and liveable? And how does the municipality allocate space for pedestrians, cyclists and cars in the process? Goudappel helped the municipality with a SUMP with which Zaanstad chooses for a future in which smart and sustainable mobility plays an important role.

"SUMP Zaanstad is our guide for the next 20 years in which space and (smart forms of) mobility come together."

Gerard Slegers (councillor for mobility, Zaanstad municipality)

What did we do?

Previously established goals and ambitions served as a guideline for thinking about (sustainable) mobility in the municipality. Zaanstad is a large, diverse city, with several centres (each with their own character). Creating a SUMP for such a municipality is therefore much more than just vision creation. It is also about participation and involvement of all parties. The size and long lead time also contributed to the extra dynamics of this project. For this project, we made use of all available disciplines within Goudappel.

SUMP Zaanstad: a key role for sustainable mobility

To ensure shared awareness and insight into the plans, we held several information sessions. With great commitment, but also some dissension, the Municipal Council approved the SUMP Zaanstad on 16 September 2021. With this plan, the municipality is opting for a sustainable mobility transition. To make the mobility transition possible, a Mobility Fund will be set up. We will describe the main themes of the plan below.

Considering Zaanstad's unique cores

Zaanstad is a unique municipality because of its various centres, each with its own character. The municipality therefore opts for an appropriate zoning. For each place, we look at the most suitable mode of transport and how it can be made as attractive as possible. For example, in the city centre we focus on the pedestrian, but in rural areas the car is more important.

Fast connections to Amsterdam

The Amsterdam region is growing incredibly fast. As a result, Zaanstad (close to Amsterdam) is also growing. By focusing on strong and fast public transport and bicycle connections to Amsterdam, the two municipalities can support each other.

Utilising the Zaan more effectively

The river Zaan makes Zaanstad unique. In addition to more water transport for goods, the municipality is also focusing on transporting people by water. This is initially aimed at tourism, but also intended for commuters to Amsterdam.

Stimulating sustainable mobility

The various cores will be reinforced with lively town and village centres where there is plenty of room for sustainable transport. Zero emission zones will be established for delivery and freight vehicles in the core shopping areas of Zaandam, Krommenie and Wormerveer (towns within the municipality). In addition, the municipality is working with companies on hubs for city logistics. Partial mobility is encouraged.

The main routes in Zaanstad

“We are very proud of the new SUMP Zaanstad. It is a guideline for the next 20 years in which space and (smart forms of) mobility come together. And that is truly necessary when you look at the national and regional climate and housing challenges. Goudappel's contribution to the Mobility Plan has been of great value."

Gerard Slegers (councillor for mobility, municipality of Zaanstad)

Client: Municipality of Zaanstad
Year: 2021

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