A Dictionary of Dutchness

Prachtwijk

A prachtwijk – literally a ‘splendid’ or ‘jewel’ neighbourhood – is one of the 40 urban renewal areas earmarked for financial help over the next few years. A total €2.5bn will be spend boosting employment, renovations and community involvement in these neighbourhoods which were previously known as ‘problem’ or ‘Vogelaar’ areas (after Ella Vogelaar, the former minister who came up with the idea) but have now been given a positive spin.