Spatial economics
A thriving spatial economy helps to determine the image of a municipality and a region. It not only provides comfort for its inhabitants, but is also positive for employment. An attractive local economy generates prosperity, strengthens the social fabric, increases investments in infrastructure, in green spaces, in short, in a stronger living environment.
CityD as an advisory board for economic restructuring and transitions
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 need to redevelop these zones and aim for the most optimal use in a market-based manner, i.e. 'the right company in the right place'. Not only the function of the plots is important, but also the possible synergies between the companies themselves.
Based on our experience, we propose to place additional emphasis on the integration of knowledge and the search for 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 are working towards a common goal.
CityD is your independent advisor who identifies and knows the needs of each party. Together we will realise an ultimate plan.
A well-functioning local or regional economy is the result of a balance between all facets of supply and demand. Optimizing the urban business environment is a delicate exercise that depends on a whole range of factors, such as the supply of industrial estates and business premises, business climate, multimodal accessibility, design of the public domain, level of education, etc.
From visionary plan to a strong economy
CityD helps governments and intermunicipal companies to develop an economic policy vision, tailored to the city, business park or region. This covers all aspects that determine the economic dynamics: development of economic zones, facilitating business and office spaces, (business) park management, service zones, workplaces for the social economy, ...
Once the vision and feasibility are written and approved by all parties involved, the question arises how to implement it. CityD helps governments with (supra-local) issuance policy and with area management of business locations. We answer questions such as:
- What requirements and qualities must companies have for specific zones?
- What are the opportunities or pitfalls?
- How do we deal with restructuring and allotment in times when green fields are a rarity?
- How can we create future-proof concepts that respond to challenges such as energy management, climate change, land scarcity, geopolitics, changing labour mobility, socio-demographic changes?
- How can we pursue a future-oriented policy with different companies that goes beyond joint investments and energy and waste policy?
Finally, there is the realization, including monitoring, of the vision. (Business) park management management in 2023 requires long-term strategic objectives, which are achieved thanks to intensive consultation, active participation and a growing awareness that collaborations only bring benefits for companies and society. Park management must therefore be given a future-proof interpretation that focuses on shared value.
CityD helps investors, developers and company managers to enable their contribution to the local and regional economy. This can be done by setting up partnerships and feasibility studies. This is possible for various types of business premises and investment projects.
Services for local economy and spatial planning
- Policy plan (local) economy
- Business park transition plan and sustainability
- Business park management
- Survey of space and office requirements
- Consultancy in case of restructuring plans
- Area management ('right company in the right place')
- (Supra-local) issuance policy and management
- Interweavability
- Optimal use of space and densification
Do you want to boost the local economy and need advice?
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References:
- City of Brussels: Commercial development scheme and Web observatory
- Province of Antwerp: PRUP (Provincial spatial implementation plan) Kloosterveld and De Zwaan
- Municipality of Overijse: Local Economy Consultant
- LTF NV: assistance to Yellowpark/Food retail permit
- Epplejeck: support and guidance on retail permits
- City of Hasselt: implementation study for moving weekly market to the city center
- City of Hasselt: support Smart Markets
- City of Hasselt: spatial retail vision
- OC WEST and POM West-Vlaanderen: framework agreement to coach traders
- Municipality of Zaventem: support for the economy department/traders/advice on commercial core reinforcement
- Flemish Environment Dept. Area development: spatial-economic Strategy for ENA (Albert Canal Economic Network)
- Municipality of Houthalen-Helchteren and Heusden-Zolder: area management of industrial estates Europark-Centrum-Zuid and De Schacht
- De Werkvennootschap: trajectory guidance for relocation of activities along the N74 road
- City of Leuven: local activity data model
- City of Kortrijk: Office study
- City of Bruges: circular HUB
- Kolmont: retail and SME guidance
- Dilbeek: delimitation process of the core shopping area
- POM Limburg: assistance/consultancy regarding editing economics and local stakeholder management
- Labo architecten: updating retail permit files
- Province of Antwerp: survey of passers-by at Schilde
- Asse: vision and support
- AD Delhaize Merelbeke: market study
- Bruges: SWOT sub-centres of the city of Bruges
- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: Belval/Esch-sur-Alzette, feasibility retail programme
- Leuven: update retail plan - spatial assessment framework for retail structure
- Landen and Aarschot: elaboration of retail plan
- Zele: substantiation of the centre vision 'Green Power', in collaboration with Stramien
- VVSG: preparation of a commercial core-strengthening policy manual
- Oudenaarde: strategic and commercial justification for the assessment framework
- Wevelgem: study of core strengthening measures in collaboration with MOP Urban
- Mechelen: update of strategic-commercial plan, drawing up an assessment framework, supervision of strategic projects
- Project management Houthalen-Helchteren: concept vision for city centre, guidance brownfield covenant and master plan John Cuppensplein
- Houthalen-Helchteren: research into super-large-scale retail
- VVSG, Centre Management platform, project guidance, development and implementation of platform for local authorities, developers, retailers and other actors, organization of meetings and thematic meetings with regard to retail structures and resilient city centres.
City Marketing and Centre Management
It is clear that the gem of CityD lies in city marketing and centre management. The manager started in 1999 as the first centre manager in Flanders for the city of Genk. The inner city bug never faded. The first assignment was to draw an inner-city marketing plan for the non-profit organization Centrummanagement Genk. Today, CityD guides many cities in strategic communication and city marketing and often implements approved plans. This translates into targeted city or center management, depending on the chosen focus. The essence is always the same: together we can do more and vision without execution is a dead letter.
Trade and hotel & catering industry
Trade, hospitality, catering industry and services are often the beating heart of every core, municipality and city. Besides their economic function, they are important for meeting, relaxing and experiencing. Find out how your local economy can flourish here.
Tourism and leisure
How do you ensure that tourists, residents, visitors, culture lovers, conference guests and recreationists find their way to your city or location? And how do you deal with redevelopment, MICE actors and supra-local collaborations, also for locations without government exploitation? With a strong strategic plan you make your location, city or region more than attractive.
Real estate and area development
Buildings and spaces that are being developed today require the use of sustainable raw materials and substantial financial resources. Development is therefore best thought through from a long-term perspective, taking into account the needs of the market and of future generations. CityD helps you limit the risks of your real estate project or area development through thorough research and clear future-proof visions. This for developer, government and investor alike.
