Woonvisie 2020-2030 Almere – Municipal Housing Strategy and Regulations
The Woonvisie 2020-2030, titled Thuis in Almere, is the official housing strategy issued by the Gemeente Almere, Netherlands, published in June 2020. This document serves as a regulatory and policy framework for the city's residential development over a ten-year period, replacing the previous 2009 vision. It operates within the context of the Woningwet 2015 (Housing Act) and the Huisvestingswet (Housing Allocation Act), while aligning with the regional Handelingsperspectief voor de oostflank van de Metropoolregio Amsterdam (MRA).
The scope of the document covers the planned expansion of Almere's housing stock by 24,500 units by the year 2030. It governs regulatory domains such as housing differentiation, urban renewal, social inclusion, and the energy transition. The strategy focuses on the districts of Almere Stad, Haven, Buiten, Hout, and Poort, providing specific frameworks for the Stedelijk woningbouwprogramma (Urban Housing Program) and establishing the basis for Prestatieafspraken (Performance Agreements) with housing corporations. Key structural elements include the Bouwen voor de buurt scheme for existing neighborhoods and the Havenverbond for specialized urban renewal.
The following sections detail the specific housing targets, sustainability requirements, and experimental building methods mandated for architects, developers, and housing providers operating within the municipality.
Housing Targets and Segment Distribution
The document defines a growth target of 24,500 additional dwellings, categorized by income segments and specific demographic needs to ensure a balanced housing market.
- Middle incomes: 10,000 units, including 30% free-sector rentals and 70% affordable owner-occupied homes.
- Low incomes: 5,000 regulated rental units for general households and 2,000 units specifically for youth.
- Student housing: 1,500 units in a campus setting in Almere Stad center.
- High incomes: 6,000 units in the higher price segment.
- Seniors: A minimum of 1,000 accessible dwellings integrated into neighborhoods.
Urban Renewal and the Bouwen voor de buurt Scheme
The municipality prioritizes the quality of the existing city through small-scale interventions and large-scale revitalization projects. The Bouwen voor de buurt (Building for the neighborhood) principle allows for adding local housing to facilitate internal migration of seniors and starters within their own districts.
- Havenhart 2.0: A revitalization plan for Almere Haven’s inner ring, including Centrum, De Wierden, De Werven, and De Hoven.
- Almere Buiten: Improving economic and social function by transforming vacant commercial spaces into residential units.
- Transformation: Converting empty office buildings and shops into housing to increase density near transport hubs.
Sustainability and Energy Transition Standards
Almere aims to be gas-free, circular, and climate-resilient by 2050. The document sets concrete mid-term targets for the 2020-2030 period.
- CO2 Reduction: Achieving a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
- Energy Standards: All new builds must comply with BENG (Bijna Energieneutraal Gebouw) standards.
- Heat Transition: Phasing out gas in Haven, Buiten, and Hout; existing heat networks in Stad and Poort will be made more sustainable.
- Circular Construction: Promoting the reuse of materials and circular building methods in collaboration with the province of Flevoland.
Innovative and Experimental Building Concepts
The municipality maintains its tradition of housing experiments to improve affordability and environmental performance through specific pilot projects.
- Wiki Houses: Modular, digital-designed homes on the Stripmaker in Almere Buiten where residents participate in construction.
- Tiny Housing: Small units under 50 square meters, showcased in Almere Poort, targeting single-person households.
- Oosterwold: A rural development model where residents are responsible for all infrastructure, including roads and utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new houses will be built in Almere by 2030?
The municipality plans to add 24,500 dwellings to the housing stock between 2020 and 2030.
What is the middle income definition in the Almere Housing Vision?
Middle incomes are defined as households earning between 1 and 1.5 times the modal income, which is approximately €36,500 gross per year.
What are the rules for youth housing contracts in Almere?
Youth between ages 18 and 27 can receive five-year contracts, with a potential extension of two years, ensuring they retain their registration time as house-seekers.
When must Almere be completely gas-free?
The strategy aims for the entire city of Almere to be gas-free and energy-neutral by 2050.
What does the 'Bouwen voor de buurt' principle entail?
It is a small-scale development or transformation approach within existing neighborhoods to provide housing specifically for local starters and seniors.
Are there specific targets for student housing in Almere?
Yes, the plan includes the realization of 1,500 student units to create a campus environment in the city center.
What are BENG standards in the context of Almere construction?
BENG refers to 'Bijna Energieneutraal Gebouw' (Nearly Energy Neutral Building), which is the mandatory norm for all new residential buildings.
Which districts are prioritized for urban renewal?
Almere Haven (specifically the inner ring) and Almere Buiten are targeted for qualitative improvements and density increases.
