CityD informs entrepreneurs about the transition of industrial estates via Voka Limburg
Voka Limburg has started a platform for local economy and invited CityD to explain the transition within industrial estates. The "Gebiedsregie' or area management in central Limburg is an excellent example of informing participants about industrial estates and guiding them through their transition, because all aspects are being covered. Experts Jan Boots and Kirsten Blanckaert provided the explanation and are also happy to assist you with transition issues.
Voka Limburg gathers all heads of local economy departments through their recently launched platform to exchange information and introduce best practices from the field. On June 14, 2023, Jan Boots and Kirsten Blanckaert explained the area management in central Limburg. With the transformation of Centrum-Zuid and Europark in Houthalen-Helchteren and De Schacht in Heusden-Zolder, they are working closely on a complex project that entails drastic changes. All possible aspects of transition in industrial estates are being discussed. Ranging from heritage on the business park site to complex mobility plans with the reconstruction of the North-South connection, in which the road through Houthalen-Helchteren will be tunnelled.
Sustainability is important on industrial estates
Sustainability transition and how to approach it were also discussed in detail. The most important principles were shared by CityD and the municipality of Houthalen, after which the group took a look at the site. The participants took a bike tour through the two industrial estates so that theory could be linked to practice.
We like to mix business and pleasure and the group ended up eating a delicious tagine at Bistro Mouffa at the Houthalen town hall.
CityD as an independent advisor
CityD helps governments and intermunicipal companies to develop a policy vision for the economy tailored to the city, industrial estate or region. This covers all aspects that determine economic dynamics: development of economic zones, facilitating business and office spaces, business park management, interweaving, service zones, workplaces for the social economy, etc.
Space for entrepreneurship is scarce. That is why we are forced to approach 'economic zones' differently and equip them as industrial estates of the future. We must redevelop these zones and arrive at the most optimal use in a market-based manner, 'the right company in the right place'. Not only the design of the plots is central, but also the possible synergies between the companies themselves.
Based on our experience, we propose to place additional emphasis on integrating knowledge and building local support. This not only applies to the various public stakeholders, but also to companies in particular, so that initiatives are supported bottom-up and the various actors work together.
CityD is your independent advisor who identifies and knows the needs of each party. Together we will develop an ultimate plan.
Knowing more?
Also interested in industrial estates of the future? Would you like to know more about our Spatial Economy or Real Estate & Area Development pillars? Contact us for a no-obligation (digital) appointment!
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