A Village Vision for Borgercompagnie

In the Groningen village of Borgercompagnie, students Matthijs de Bruin, Quint Roemaat, Ruben Pollen, and Maharani Nurseta from the University of Groningen conducted an extensive study that serves as the foundation for the new village vision: “Not just Borgercompagnie, but a better Borgercompagnie.” The project focused on the village’s livability and future and was characterized by a high level of resident involvement. With a response rate of nearly 89% to the door-to-door survey and more than sixty participants in various focus groups, a rich and comprehensive picture emerged of what is happening in the village.

From residents’ input to thematic recommendations

The students processed the large amount of data into an analysis centered on themes such as housing, public space, well-being, and social cohesion. They chose a community-based research approach: rather than studying the village from an external perspective, the emphasis was placed on collaboration, mutual learning, and the joint creation of knowledge between researchers and the community. By combining surveys with focus group discussions, not only statistics but also personal experiences and perspectives were included. This approach ensured that long-term residents, newcomers, and young people alike were represented in the study.

A special village

Borgercompagnie has a rich history: the village was founded in the seventeenth century as a peat colony and has grown into a small but very close-knit community of around 495 residents. Like many other rural villages, Borgercompagnie faces challenges such as population aging. In addition, the village lies within two municipalities—Midden-Groningen and Veendam—which can lead to ambiguity and inequality. At the same time, the village distinguishes itself through an active and committed community and a clear desire to work together toward a better Borgercompagnie.

Research results

One of the most striking outcomes of the study is visible in the charts on population composition and residential satisfaction. The data show that Borgercompagnie has a strongly aging population: more than 42% of residents are 65 years or older, while young families and first-time homebuyers are relatively underrepresented.
At the same time, residents report a high level of satisfaction with their living environment. Nearly 95% indicate that they consider the green surroundings important to very important and see them as one of the village’s greatest qualities. The students conclude that for most residents, the most important thing is that what already exists remains and is well maintained. The aim is a better Borgercompagnie, not a larger Borgercompagnie.

Presentation and next steps

On Saturday, January 31, the students presented their findings during a well-attended residents’ meeting. The results now form a substantive basis for the further development of the village vision and village agenda. The project beautifully demonstrates how academic research and local engagement can come together to provide concrete tools for the future of a village.