Reaching the Unreachable?

Abstract

This study examines how citizen engagement strategies can facilitate more inclusive participation for enhancing liveability in urban area development. With growing demands for citizen involvement in decision-making processes, particularly in light of the new Environment and Planning Act, developers often face challenges such as increased objections, unrealistic expectations, and potential delays. This study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research on citizen participation and practical challenges of engagement in urban development. It examines two case studies: the Defensie-eiland project in Woerden and the Piekstraat development in Rotterdam. The Defensie-eiland project has already implemented citizen engagement strategies during its transformation from a former military site into a mixed-use neighbourhood. The Piekstraat project, on the other hand, is an ongoing development aiming to revitalize a historic dockland area. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, including exploratory interviews, documentation analysis, in-depth stakeholder interviews and a validating citizen survey. The findings aim to contribute to the academic discourse on sustainable urban development by highlighting the importance of citizen participation in shaping liveable and inclusive neighbourhoods. The thesis concludes with recommendations for practitioners on how to implement the proposed strategies effectively, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches, transparent communication, and the use of hybrid participation models. Digital tools show the capacity to engage traditionally underrepresented groups more effectively. The plan's success hinges on a team with strong commitment and a clear objective.