Zevenbergen Town Center Vision

The municipality of Moerdijk is entering a dynamic period in which decisions must be made that will play a significant role in the future development of the municipality and its various communities.

One such possible development, for example, is the restoration of the Roode Vaart as a major waterway between the Hollandsch Diep and the Mark—a development linked to the desired salinization of the Krammer-Volkerak. It is by no means certain whether the Roode Vaart will actually be restored to its former glory, or in what manner; the decision on this matter depends on many considerations that often extend beyond the scope of the municipality of Moerdijk.

However, the restoration of the Roode Vaart could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for the center of Zevenbergen. Since the early 1970s, the harbor in Zevenbergen has been filled in, thereby severing the connection between the northern and southern sections of the Roode Vaart. The former harbor is now used as a shopping street, parking area, and marketplace, and in this form plays an important functional role for the town’s commercial center. Restoring the harbor and, with it, the continuity of the Roode Vaart is an inspiring idea for Zevenbergen, but it cannot be viewed in isolation from issues such as the retail structure and accessibility of the town center and therefore requires a comprehensive vision for the future of the town center as a whole.