Twenterand - Netherlands

Twenterand is a captivating municipality nestled in the province of Overijssel in the eastern Netherlands. Known as "edge of Twente," it rests on the northwestern fringe of the historical region of Twente, marking a unique blend of past and present influences. This quaint yet evolving city boasts a rich history accentuated by its dual-city hall setup—a result of merging Vriezenveen and Den Ham in 2001. With this union came an interesting administrative distinction; while the former municipal area of Vriezenveen is part of Twente, Den Ham straddles both Salland and Twente regions. Strengths Twenterand shines in several areas that contribute to its urban livability. The city's amenities score stands at a promising C+, indicating access to essential services and facilities that support an acceptable standard of living. Residents enjoy a variety of local shops, dining options, and recreational spaces which enhance their quality of life. Cultural vibrancy is another strong suit for Twenterand, reflected in its culture and entertainment score of C+. The city offers various cultural activities and events that engage both residents and visitors, fostering community spirit and creativity. This aspect contributes positively to the overall livability index by providing diverse experiences that appeal to a broad audience. Transportation in Twenterand is another highlight, with an emphasis on sustainable urban planning. Though its commute score stands at C+, reflecting room for improvement, there are ongoing efforts to enhance public transport options. These initiatives aim to provide more efficient and eco-friendly transit solutions, potentially boosting the city's ranking in global livability indices. Childcare and education receive a balanced score of C+. While there is scope for advancement, current facilities indicate an adequate level of service that supports families in their developmental needs. The presence of quality educational institutions underscores Twenterand’s commitment to nurturing young minds, contributing positively to its living quality index. Challenges Despite these strengths, Twenterand faces challenges in several domains. The health score at C suggests a need for improved healthcare access and services to ensure residents' well-being. Efforts are underway to address this through enhanced urban planning and better land use policies that can lead to more accessible medical care facilities. Noise levels, scoring a B, point towards areas where urban redevelopment projects could further mitigate sound pollution. This aspect is crucial in maintaining the city's appeal as it balances development with residents' quality of life. Initiatives aimed at reducing noise through green infrastructure and better zoning practices are steps in this positive direction. The NIMBY score, while relatively high at B+, indicates a community that values its environment but may resist certain changes. This presents an opportunity for transparent dialogues around urban development projects to ensure they align with residents’ aspirations while fostering sustainable growth. Analysis and Context Twenterand's efforts in public transport and urban redevelopment are pivotal in shaping its future rankings on the city livability scale. The municipality’s commitment to improving local transport options, such as expanding tram stops or enhancing transport pass accessibility, reflects a proactive approach to sustainable urban planning. These initiatives not only ease commuting challenges but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability. Urban redevelopment projects focus on optimizing land use and zoning practices, ensuring that new developments meet the growing needs of Twenterand’s population while preserving its unique character. By prioritizing green spaces and community-centric designs, these projects aim to elevate the city's overall livability index. Conclusion Twenterand presents a blend of historical charm and forward-thinking urban planning, poised for growth in its quality of life index. While it faces challenges in healthcare access, noise management, and transportation efficiency, ongoing initiatives promise improvements that could significantly enhance its global livability ranking. With a community committed to sustainable development, Twenterand has the potential to not only meet but exceed expectations as an urban center dedicated to improving residents' living quality. As these efforts continue, the city stands on the cusp of becoming an exemplar in balanced and inclusive urban growth.

Windmill in Vriezenveen

Twenterand

Country: Netherlands

Population: 33699

Elevation: 10.0 metre

Area: 108.14 square kilometre

Web: https://www.twenterand.nl/

Mayor: Hans Broekhuizen

Postcode: 7670–7677, 7680–7683

Area code: 0546

Overall score

Total

Amenities

C+

Childcare & Education

C+

Commute

C+

Culture & Entertainment

C+

Health

NIMBY

B+

Noise