Amersfoort has been named European City of the Year 2023 by the Academy of Urbanism. In London, Alderman Rutger Dijksterhuis (Spatial Planning) accepted the Urbanism Award. The jury praised Amersfoort for its quality of life, progressive planning and innovation while preserving its unique heritage and character. "The well-being and happiness of all its citizens are clearly central," the jury said.
In September, Amersfoort was visited by a four-member jury from Ireland, England and Germany who got to know the city and its residents. This included visits to both the historic centre - home to the Mondrian House - and the districts of Vathorst, and Kattenbroek. The jury also took a look at innovative places such as The New City and the Wagenwerkplaats.
Residents and entrepreneurs warmly welcomed the jury and took the time to tell them what it is like to live, work and play in Amersfoort. Also colllega institution FASadE, the architecture centre of Amersfoort in C, gave an explanation at the time. The visit allowed the jury to form a picture of the quality of life and work, mobility, social cohesion, architecture and urban planning solutions in Amersfoort. The jury also visited the other two nominated cities, Estepona in Spain and Exeter in England. The members assessed the cities on urban planning qualities, among other things, but also looks at social cohesion, sustainability and how the city is governed.
With the win, Amersfoort joins a line of European cities that capture the imagination. Previous winners include Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Bilbao, Antwerp and Edinburgh. After Rotterdam in 2015, Amersfoort is the second Dutch city to win the Urbanism Award for European City of the Year.