Up to 80 degrees in the city centre: Harderwijk opts for more greenery |
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Greening plan aims to make paved city centre cooler, more climate-resilient and more attractive
The municipality of Harderwijk plans to significantly green its historic city centre in the coming years. In dozens of locations, paving and other hard surfaces will make way for trees, shrubs and plants. The reason is increasing heat stress in the centre, where some metal and stone surfaces can reach temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius on hot days.
| Image for illustration, generated with AI |
The municipal executive has approved a greening plan for the city centre and boulevard. The measures are intended to provide more cooling, improve rainwater management, increase biodiversity and create a more attractive public space. Implementation will continue until 2031 and will cost almost €2 million.
Heat as a driving force
'We are dealing with a historic city centre. These are typically highly paved environments. In times of increasing heat stress, you want to do something about that,' says alderman Wilco Mazier.
According to the municipality, metal litter bins, cars and manhole covers exposed to full sun can reach temperatures of up to 80 degrees. At various locations, paving will therefore be replaced with trees, plants and shrubs.
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In dozens of locations, paving will make way for trees, shrubs and plants
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Greenery keeps the city cooler
According to Ad Coppens of energy cooperative Endura, temperature measurements show how significant the differences can be. Paving can reach temperatures of around 50 degrees on hot days, while vegetation remains much cooler, he says. The colour of materials also plays a role: dark surfaces heat up much more strongly than light ones.
The GGD Noord- en Oost-Gelderland regional public health service points out that air temperature is particularly important for health. Heated materials release heat into their surroundings, intensifying the urban heat island effect. As a result, cities also remain warmer for longer during hot nights.
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Heated materials intensify the urban heat island effect and contribute to warmer nights
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Broad approach to climate adaptation
The municipality sees greening as part of a broader approach to making the city centre more climate-resilient. In addition to more greenery, shaded areas, drinking water points and water features in public spaces can help reduce the effects of heat.
According to alderman Mazier, the plan will not only make the city centre more resilient to extreme weather, but also more attractive to residents and visitors.
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The greening plans are scheduled to be fully implemented by 2031
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This article was previously published on 5 August 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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