In Goes, the Cool Neighbourhoods project has embraced co-creation through a series of hands-on workshops designed to engage residents, business owners, students, and city planners. These sessions focused on reimagining Zusterstraat, Bastion, and Stadskantoor—two distinct pilot areas, an inner-city neighbourhood and a green hub.
Using LEGO sets and mapping exercises, participants explored ideas for a greener city gateway, a vibrant green core, and a thriving hub. The enthusiasm in the room was undeniable, making collaboration an enjoyable and creative process. The first round of workshops, held in November 2024, laid the foundation for deeper engagement, leading to a second round in February 2025, where ideas were refined and brought closer to reality.
The Power of Co-Creation
Co-creation is at the heart of the Cool Neighbourhoods project, guided by the principles of Symbiosis in Development (SiD)—a methodology introduced by project partner Except Integrated Sustainability from the Netherlands. This framework ensures that solutions are not only effective but also seamlessly integrated into the local community and environment.
Why co-creation? Because the most sustainable solutions emerge from within. When people shape their own neighbourhoods, engagement transforms into action, and action drives lasting change, which is cool!
Now, these ideas are materialising into tangible designs—greener streets, shaded walkways, and improved public spaces. These aren’t just concepts; they are concrete steps towards a climate-resilient future for Goes.
February 2025 - Refining the Vision
The most recent co-creation workshop took place on 12 February 2025 at the City office in Goes. During this session, residents reviewed the concept designs developed by Except and provided detailed feedback. Using post-it notes, they highlighted which elements they liked and which needed improvement. This collaborative process ensured that local perspectives played a key role in optimising the final designs.
The session began with a presentation on the project's progress, after which participants split into two groups to focus on the pilot areas. Feedback was collected in these small groups before being discussed in a plenary session, ensuring all voices were heard and next steps were clearly defined, a very transparent process.
A Collective Effort
Approximately 30 residents from Bastion and Zusterstraat attended, alongside representatives from HZ University of Applied Sciences and the social work and welfare foundation, SMWO. Together with Except, the municipality of Goes facilitated an interactive workshop where community members actively shaped the future of their City.
This initiative highlights the importance of participation in the Interreg North West Europe funded project Cool Neighbourhoods. By involving residents in a holistic way, their opinions become a crucial part of the planning process, making the transformation of Goes a truly collective effort.
Participation isn’t just necessary—it’s engaging, dynamic, and rewarding. As Goes moves forward, it will continue refining ideas and building together, ensuring that Goes’ future isn’t just predicted—it’s created by the people who call it home.
Image: Rebecca Gouw facilitating the Goes Workshop