Even though Ugchelen lies right next to Apeldoorn, the village has a character all of its own. This is partly due to its history. Springs, streams and the old paper mills still define the village’s landscape. But it is also the more than 6,000 residents who bring Ugchelen to life. Many of them are very actively involved. They are keen to roll up their sleeves to make ‘their’ village a little bit nicer.
If you look at the general statistics for Ugchelen, you’ll soon see that it’s a great place to live. When it comes to well-being, health and social cohesion, for example, Ugchelen scores above average within the municipality of Apeldoorn. As a result, many people have lived here for quite some time and have strong ties to the village. There are plenty of detached houses, which naturally makes living here a pleasure.
If you ask residents specifically about this, you’ll find they’re positive about their village. Residents of Ugchelen give their own homes an average rating of 8.6. Their sense of community gets an 8.3, and their sense of happiness an 8.2. They enjoy the abundance of green spaces and experience little nuisance. A great ‘report card’ then!
Meanwhile, residents also point out that there is room for improvement. Ugchelen, for example, does not have many shops or restaurants. There are only a few primary schools, which means children sometimes have to travel elsewhere to attend school. People would like to see the village centre become more lively and truly serve as a meeting place. And there is a demand for more suitable housing for first-time buyers and older people alike.
Together with local residents, we will be addressing these and other issues. So that Ugchelen remains a village where young and old alike enjoy living. Where there is space for people to meet, for shops and for leisure activities. We will do this in a way that enhances the character of Ugchelen.
Over the coming period, we will be focusing particularly on five themes:
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
A cosy village centre |
We are doing our best to ensure that Ugchelen gets more outdoor seating areas, restaurants and shops. A major maintenance project is also underway to improve the village centre. And we are looking into how we can integrate Goudvink Park into the village centre. |
Local council, residents & village council, Ugchelen Plaza, Stimenz |
|
Ecological diversity |
We are constantly looking at ways to improve ecological diversity. For example, through stream restoration and the maintenance of green spaces. |
Local authority, water board, residents |
|
Wheelchair and child-friendly Ugchelen |
It is important that children and older people are able to get about easily in the village. We are looking into whether (and how) we need to make adjustments to paths and pavements. |
Municipality |
|
More tourist routes and information |
We are creating new walking and cycling routes that link up with the existing ones. We are also compiling information about the unique history of the village and the surrounding area. |
Municipality, Tourism Platform, residents & village council, Apeldoorn Marketing, Ugchelen Plaza |
|
Places to exercise in the countryside |
Exercise – including outdoor exercise – is good for your health. We are investigating whether we can encourage people to ‘exercise outdoors’. For example, through an exercise garden or ‘kwiekroutes’: walking routes for older people. |
Municipality |
|
More art and events |
Various organisations in Ugchelen are campaigning for more art in public spaces. They are also campaigning for more events, such as a village fair, a street market or a music festival. |
Local council, residents & village council, Ugchelen Plaza, ACEC |
|
Enough charging points |
More and more charging points are being installed, making it easier for people to charge their electric cars or bikes. |
Municipality, deA |
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
More affordable housing for first-time buyers and older people |
We’re rolling up our sleeves to ensure there is suitable and affordable housing for young and old alike. |
Local authority, residents & village council, organisers |
|
Road safety in Ugchelen |
By redesigning roads, we aim to improve safety improve conditions, particularly for walkers and cyclists. We are also looking for solutions to the lack of parking spaces. And we are exploring ways to make residents and visitors more aware of their behaviour: what is my own role in road safety? |
Local council, police, residents & village council, Ugchelen Plaza |
|
Active warhead behind the Goudvink |
We are going to extend the spring head behind the Goudvink towards the Europaweg. This will improve the water supply from the springs. |
Landowner, developer, local authority |
Would you like more information about the vitality agenda?
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