The municipality of Overbetuwe
Between city and land
Overbetuwe is a municipality, with a population of 44,500, that was created on 1 January 2001 when the municipalities of Elst, Heteren and Valburg decided to join forces. It covers a joint area of 11,500 hectares and consists of eleven centres: Elst, Heteren, Valburg, Driel, Randwijk, Herveld, Andelst, Oosterhout, Slijk-Ewijk, Hemmen and Zetten.
Overbetuwe lies at the heart of the Arnhem-Nijmegen City Centre between the two major cities. It covers an area located between the rivers Rijn and Waal, the Betuwe railway line runs right through it as do the A50 and A15 motor ways. Elst and Zetten-Andelst are two railway stations.
Growth and prosperity
Beautiful landscapes, the river forelands, the green area and fruit trees characterise the Overbetuwe area and visitors and residents alike can enjoy what it has to offer: recreation, tranquillity and space. Due to the high level of urbanisation of Arnhem and Nijmegen, the municipality grows rapidly. For the next ten years another five thousand houses will be added, as a result of which Overbetuwe will have a population of over 50,000. All of whom will be able to enjoy the many recreational facilities, adequate primary and secondary schooling, flourishing club life and wonderful shopping facilities.
In other words: a young municipality with a rich history. The Grote Kerk in Elst for instance houses the best kept foundations of the Roman Netherlands. They belong to two temples, the most sacred sanctuaries of the Batavians. The area also played an important role in the fight for freedom during the Second World War. Furthermore, there are various smaller museums, lots of monuments and events, including the first day of the Nijmegen Four Day Marches known as the ‘Dag van Elst’, and the horse market that originates from the Middle Ages.
Companies
Overbetuwe also has enough space for companies: at the Aam and Merm in Elst, De Schalm and Andelst-Oost in Andelst, and the Poort van Midden-Gelderland in Heteren. Companies like Kruidvat, Heinz, Grafisch Papier and Porsche all opted to stay in Overbetuwe.
Read more:
www.overbetuwe.nl (Only in Dutch)
