Kerschoten is situated in the north of Apeldoorn, above the Parken. It is a neighbourhood with a character all of its own. The southern part was designed in the 1950s, in line with the ideals of that era: plenty of green space between the houses, few major roads, and a mix of low-rise and high-rise buildings. The northern part followed a little later, but it has the same atmosphere.
The neighbourhood has over 3,600 residents. It is a mixed community. Proportionally, there are many people aged 65 and over and few young people. On the other hand, the number of children has actually been rising again in recent years. A significant proportion of the residents live in rented accommodation. With 64%, the proportion of ‘renters’ is therefore high when compared with the rest of Apeldoorn.
Residents of Kerschoten give their neighbourhood an average rating of 7.8 – a good score. Many people get on well with their neighbours. They generally feel safe. There are plenty of local amenities. And the green surroundings make it a pleasant place to live.
However, there are also areas of concern. There is a relatively high proportion of vulnerable residents in the neighbourhood, particularly in rented accommodation. This group is growing. There are people facing financial difficulties, loneliness, and mental and physical health problems. The ageing population is also a cause for concern. Is the neighbourhood well equipped to cope with this? On the other hand, the number of children is increasing. Is sufficient attention being paid to their needs?
We will be working on these and other issues in the coming period. In doing so, we will be building on projects that are already underway. For example, the construction of the district heating network, which will make the neighbourhood much more sustainable. Together with local residents, we’re pulling together. This will ensure that Kerschoten remains a lovely neighbourhood in the future too.
Four areas will receive extra attention in the coming period. We are investing time in creating a pleasant living environment, so that Kerschoten remains a great place to live. We’re going to focus on the social approach: fostering interaction and connection, healthy and fulfilling living, and sport and play. Energy and sustainability are high on the agenda: a district heating network is to be installed in the neighbourhood. And we’ll ensure that organisations collaborate more and work in a more targeted way.
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Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
Better distribution from residents |
We are revising our letting policy. And we are allocating flats in housing estates in a more targeted manner. This will lead to a more even distribution of vulnerable residents. We are building new social housing flats on Nobelstraat. People can move from detached houses into these flats. The new development is intended for people who are entitled to housing benefit and people who are not entitled to housing benefit but who are eligible for social housing. |
Housing associations, The Woonmensen |
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Less disruption |
We are improving our approach to preventing noise pollution. We are also tackling other forms of nuisance. We are doing this together: we are working together as effectively as possible. |
Housing associations, the local council, the police, the neighbourhood team, Samen055/Stimenz |
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A good start for new tenants |
We are putting together a suitable ‘welcome pack’ for new tenants. There will also be a standard intake interview. |
Housing associations, Stimenz, residents |
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Better relations with neighbours |
We’re rolling up our sleeves to ensure that neighbourly relations in housing estates improve. For example, by making it easier for people to meet one another. |
Housing associations, Stimenz, residents |
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Road safety |
We are putting up (temporary) warning signs in areas where people drive too fast. And we are looking into ways of improving safety around schools. The northern section of Koninginnelaan is to be designated as a 30km zone. |
Local council, police, schools |
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Accessible and a cosy outdoor space |
We’re looking at ways to make the outdoor space more accessible. For example, by creating a dementia-friendly route. We’re also exploring ways to make it easier for people to meet up outdoors, such as by installing new benches. |
Municipality |
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
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De Groene Hoven as a meeting place for everyone |
We are looking into how De Groene Hoven can become a great meeting place for even more residents. And we are providing more information about what’s on. De Groene Hoven and Stimenz are also set to work more closely together. |
SU International, Samen055/Stimenz, residents |
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Greater contact and a stronger sense of connection |
We are working to create an environment in which people can easily strike up conversations with one another. For example, by supporting residents’ initiatives. |
Residents, Stimenz, housing associations |
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Implementation of the action plan on poverty |
We are engaging the neighbourhood network to help implement the action plan on poverty. The network’s expertise helps us to identify what is needed in Kerschoten. |
Local authority, partners (including Samen055 and the Kerschoten Neighbourhood Team) |
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More spaces for sport and play |
A small football pitch for younger children is to be built on Stephensonstraat. We are also working with local residents to draw up plans for a playground in Koningspark Kerschoten. And, together with Robur, we are looking at how the sports park can be used most effectively by the club and local residents. |
Local council, Accres, Robur, Stimenz, residents |
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Getting more people active |
We encourage people to exercise and lead healthy lives. We’re also looking into the possibility of creating a ‘Kwiek’ exercise route. |
Municipality, Accres, Stimenz |
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More opportunities for sport and play |
We are investigating residents’ preferences when it comes to sport and games, and what opportunities are available. |
Local authority, residents, housing associations, Stimenz |
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Implementation of action plans for health, youth care and education |
The action plans for Prevention and Health and for Youth Care and Education will be implemented in Apeldoorn in the near future. We are looking into how we can also implement these plans in Kerschoten, in line with local needs. |
Local authority, partners (including Samen055 and the Kerschoten Neighbourhood Team) |
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A sufficient number of GPs |
There is a shortage of GPs in the region. However, as the population of Kerschoten is ageing, people actually need medical care more often. We are looking into how we can ensure that there are, and continue to be, enough GPs in the neighbourhood. |
Municipality |
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Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
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An affordable and efficient district heating network |
Together, we are working to create a high-quality and affordable district heating network for the neighbourhood. This is a long-term process involving several stages. • A decision in principle regarding the district heating network was taken at the end of 2023. • We will connect the first buildings around 2025/2026 at the earliest. • Where possible, we combine the installation with other work. • We keep residents informed by providing clear information. |
Local authorities, housing associations, etc. |
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Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
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A good neighbourhood network |
Where necessary, we provide additional support to the Kerschoten Neighbourhood Team. We also ensure there is a good link between the Neighbourhood Team and Samen055. Together, we can provide further assistance to residents who need support. |
Samen055/Stimenz, Neighbourhood Team et al. |
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Greater focus on problems ‘behind closed doors’ |
We are doing our best to work together more effectively in identifying problems ‘behind closed doors’. These include issues such as loneliness, confused behaviour or addiction. |
Local authorities, Samen055/Stimenz, housing associations and others. |
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Residents’ involvement |
A pleasant neighbourhood cannot exist without the commitment of local residents. Fortunately, many people are keen to get involved. We stay in close contact with them. And we’re also looking at ways for other residents to get involved. |
Residents, Stimenz |
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