Paul Olthof is an alderman in the municipality of Zoeterwoude.
“The 071 region needs a lot of housing. We also need space for the do-and-make industry, better accessibility and logistics. And we need to work on sustainability, such as installing solar panels, which in turn requires personnel. Within Key Region Leiden we make agreements about this on a regional scale and see how we can achieve this together.
Zoeterwoude’s role is modest as a small municipality, although with BIZ Grote Polder we have a beautiful business park and with Heineken a renowned international company within our municipal boundaries. The agricultural sector is also well represented in our municipality. Above all, we must continue to see coherence within the cooperation. This benefits the entire region, including Zoeterwoude. Thus, the strength of Key Region Leiden is more than the sum of its parts. It is more than just a municipality or a business park. By mapping what is there and what is needed in the region, you can bundle functions and strengthen each other. The result, for example, is a clear regional business park profile.
Working together also allows us to more clearly articulate to the province what we stand for as a region and where we want to go. By presenting ourselves as one unified interlocutor, we are stronger and our input is truly heard.”
Above all, we must continue to see coherence within cooperation. This benefits the entire region.
