The municipalities of The Hague and Rijswijk have jointly submitted an application to the government for 40 million euros in subsidy funds within the framework of the Regional Deal. If awarded, this money will be spent until 2028 to promote broad prosperity in specific neighbourhoods. In The Hague, this concerns Schilderswijk, Transvaal, Rustenburg-Oostbroek and Laak. Rijswijk wants to lend a helping hand to the Havenkwartier, Te Werve, the Stationskwartier, the Muziekbuurt and Stervoorde.
In these neighbourhoods, broad prosperity is structurally under pressure. For example, the Liveability Barometer score (2022, Liveability Barometer Home ) is ‘weak’ to ‘insufficient’ in all these areas. Up to 25% of the children who live there grow up in poverty. Temporary residents in precarious housing conditions, such as migrant workers, are overrepresented. This has a negative effect on liveability. In addition, the large proportion of young people in a vulnerable position requires targeted attention.
Integral and structural
The Hague and Rijswijk want to improve the broad prosperity in these districts integrally and structurally. The money from the now requested Regional Deal (up to a maximum of 40 million euros) must come on top of the municipal commitment, in addition to contributions from social partners such as welfare organizations, housing corporations, educational institutions and police & justice.
Broad prosperity is determined by a complex interplay of factors. Both municipalities focus on a safe living environment, on health and well-being and on economic and social participation. This in cooperation with each other and with social partners.
The underlying problem requires a regional approach, because measures concerning housing and labour migration also have their effects beyond municipal borders. The Regional Deal can accelerate the promotion of a safe, healthy and prosperous living environment in the neighbourhoods mentioned. Residents and entrepreneurs are explicitly involved in this.
Strong communities
‘Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the neighbourhoods in question are characterised by strong communities with great resilience and entrepreneurial spirit’, says Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague. ‘We see countless initiatives from residents and entrepreneurs that contribute to the quality of life. We want to strengthen these forces with the Regional Deal.’
‘Many problems transcend our municipal boundaries. As municipalities, we join forces to improve the quality of life and safety for our residents’, says mayor Huri Sahin of Rijswijk. ‘With the Regional Deal, we can effectively tackle the challenges and work on a sustainable improvement of broad prosperity. That is incredibly valuable and urgently needed.’