Dijk en Waard healthy neighbourhood scan

Client: Municipality of Dijk en Waard
Location: Stationskwartier, Heerhugowaard, Netherlands
Year: 2025

We are collaborating with the municipality of Dijk and Waard and local partners to implement the Healthy Neighborhood Scan in the Stationskwartier, a project focused on improving health, accessibility, and social connection for older residents. The area is undergoing major redevelopment, including 2,800 new homes and redesigned public spaces. Our objective is to ensure that older adults – many of whom face loneliness, limited accessibility, and a lack of meeting places – are actively included in shaping the neighborhood’s future.

Approach

Following the Healthy Cities Generator methodology, we carry out a comprehensive neighborhood health scan combining:

• Spatial data: street layout, public spaces, and accessibility
• Health indicators: walkability, safety, and social cohesion
• Resident input: experiences, needs, and preferences of older adults

Based on this analysis, we identify opportunity areas in the neighborhood where interventions can have the greatest impact. For each area, we propose solutions that address four objectives:

1. Accessibility & Safety – improving crossings, paths, and mobility for older residents
2. Activity & Social Connection – creating walking routes, resting spots, and meeting places
3. Integration with Urban Development – embedding improvements into long-term plans
4. Community Engagement & Well-being – ensuring residents’ voices shape the neighborhood

Expected Outcomes

• Detailed insights into the health and social needs of older adults
• Short-term interventions improving daily life and mobility
• Long-term recommendations integrated into the urban development plan of the Stationskwartier
• Stronger collaboration between social and spatial planning domains within the municipality

By centering older residents in urban development, the Stationskwartier can become a healthier, more connected, and accessible neighborhood.

💛 Learn more: ZonMw Wijkscans Bewegen en Ontmoeten: Stationskwartier

Partners

• Municipality of Dijk en Waard
• Healthy Cities
• Province of North Holland
• ZonMW 
• Local stakeholders: Woonwaard, GGD, Stichting MET Dijk en Waard

This project is supported by the ZonMW grant “Wijkscans bewegen & ontmoeten”