In mid-October, a broad delegation of entrepreneurs, council members and aldermen from Key Region Leiden visited the Drechtsteden. Purpose: to gain inspiration from the successful approach of ROM-D, as an example for our own Spatial Development Company Business Parks (ROM-B). A boat sailed past the various ROM-D projects, during which ROM-D employees explained their projects. In view of the upcoming wish and objection procedure for council members in the Leiden region, this boat trip offered ample opportunity to ask questions and discover how a ROM works in practice.

Boat tour of projects

The visit started in Zwijndrecht. After a welcome by alderman Tycho Jansen, project leader Otto Verschoor told about ‘project Pier 14’. This is a business park on the Oude Maas that has been successfully developed.

The group then boarded the boat. After a welcoming speech by Dordrecht alderman Burggraaf, the delegation departed for a tour of sites in Dordrecht, Alblasserdam and Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht. Various presentations were given during the tour, with the projects clearly visible from the water. Paul Vismans then provided the general introduction about the added value of a ROM. The approach to Dordrecht Dolderman (old and new location) and the 2nd and 3rd Merwedehaven was then discussed by project managers Paul Tankink and Sjoerd Ooms, the Nedstaal site by project manager Richard Boot, the Waterbusplein by Paul Vismans and Dordtse Kil I and II by Otto Verschoor and Madelon Soeteman.

Guts and decisiveness

The guest speakers spoke enthusiastically about their ROM-D approach, but emphasized that guts and decisiveness are essential to realizing complex projects together. Especially dealing with the unprofitable top of projects was discussed. The working method here was clear: the investment is borne together, with risk management as the priority.

And the results were impressive! The benefits of a ROM were convincingly explained: enabling developments that would otherwise get stuck, densification and sustainability, making work with work and realizing social benefits such as maintaining and increasing employment. ROM-D makes this possible and that gives municipalities and entrepreneurs a lot of energy to put their backs into new projects.

Establishment of ROM Business Parks.

The establishment of a ROM-B in the Leiden region is a pilot from Holland Rijnland’s Regional Investment Agenda (RIA) and is being implemented by Key Region Leiden. The proposal is for the municipalities involved to invest together in an investment fund, realizing not only economic but also social goals. With a successful start, other municipalities from Holland Rijnland can join in an upscaling.

Our common goal is to work together through the ROM-B to create sustainable, green and attractive working environments where businesses can grow and people enjoy working. This visit has inspired us to continue building on that with full energy.

Why a Spatial Development Corporation business parks (ROM-B) in the Leiden region? Because space is scarce and cooperation is necessary. Moreover: ‘Where you live, you must also be able to work,’ said Alderman Jacco Knape of the municipality of Katwijk. Willem-Jan Zirkzee, chairman of Ondernemend Leiden adds: ‘Speed and clarity are of great importance, as are preconditions.’

City Affairs

More and more regions are opting for a development company to future-proof business parks, as Stadszaken, a journalistic platform on urban development, describes in this article. In the Leiden region, too, we are exploring the possibilities of establishing a ROM-B.

Building together

The ROM-B is not an end in itself, but a means to build together a strong, sustainable economy in our region. We learn from other regions, but also share our experiences. For example, we are a pilot of region Holland Rijnland in which 13 municipalities work together.

Complex process

Our exploration is conducted by quartermaster Paul Vismans. He says: ‘A process of restructuring, relocation and densification takes a lot of time. It is especially important to gather the right people in a team, with knowledge and experience in this form of area development and with special qualities such as goal-oriented work, willingness to manage risks in a complex process and the determination to bring such operations to a successful conclusion.’

Colleges and committees

On Tuesday, June 3, the colleges of the six participating municipalities were briefed on the process. Presentations will soon follow in the committees of our municipal partners and we will also visit a number of boards of business associations. Keep an eye on this website for the latest news.

• Want to know more about our vision for densification, sustainability and greening of business parks? Then read the interview with alderman Jacco Knape of the city of Leiden or the interview with Willem Jan Zirkee, chairman of Ondernemend Leiden.

At the end of February, Paul Vismans was appointed as quartermaster for the study of setting up a Spatial Development Company for Business Parks (ROM-B). He started enthusiastically. ‘The assignment for Key Region Leiden is a joy for me because I get to share my long-standing experience as director of a similar vehicle, the ROM-D in the Drechtsteden, with the Leiden region,’ Vismans explains. ‘In the Drechtsteden, we have gone through a long learning curve with the ROM-D, especially over the past ten years, as a result of which ROM-D now has the position and trust of the Drechtsteden and the results are visible.’

Beautiful instrument

‘A ROM, if properly structured, is a wonderful instrument, but not an end in itself. It is about creating space for business, especially on existing business sites. Everywhere, including the Drechtsteden and also the Leiden region, we are facing a shortage of business land’.

Importance of the right team

‘A process of restructuring, relocation and densification requires a lot of time. It is especially important to gather the right people in a team, with knowledge and experience in this form of area development and with special qualities such as goal-oriented work, willingness to manage risk in a complex process and the determination to bring such operations to a successful conclusion.’

Independent

‘Furthermore, it is important that a ROM presents itself independently and treats both governments and market participants with respect. Connection is the key word here. The involvement of entrepreneurs in the choice of locations, plans and ideas is also crucial; after all, you are doing it for them.’

Start with QuickScan

‘It starts with getting to the bottom of the QuickScan recently delivered by Bureau Buiten of the first four sites. We will have to go through these to make the right choices for the most (financially) feasible plans and to see which business cases have the greatest chance of success. However, it remains hard work to arrive at supported and financeable plans’.

Funding and added value

‘Subsequently, through good governance, the Leiden municipalities will be asked to capitalize the ROM-B and cover any deficits, possibly together with the province, on a business case-by-business case basis, ultimately resulting in social added value. A ROM-B works with revolving capital, which means that after being used, it returns to the ROM and is reused. No loss cover, then, but permanent social capital’.

Cooperation in the region

‘The Leiden region has a lot of potential with some big strong conglomerates and science parks, but also a wide range of SMEs. I look forward to working with all stakeholders in the Leiden region!’

Information Round

Before the summer, an information round will take place for colleges and council committees of municipalities in the Leiden region. The chairmen of business associations are also invited to attend. Paul Vismans will give an explanation and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. After the summer, an excursion to a ROM organization is planned with council members who are interested. Also keep an eye on this website for updates.

The economy in the Leiden region is growing, but space for business is scarce. As companies look for expansion opportunities, existing sites are being used more and more intensively. Entrepreneurs in the region see the urgency of a structured approach to revitalize business parks, use space more efficiently and develop new sites. The Ruimtelijke Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Bedrijventerreinen (ROM-B) should play a key role in this effort. We speak with Willem Jan Zirkzee, chairman of Ondernemend Leiden, about the challenges and opportunities the ROM-B offers entrepreneurs.

Why is the ROM-B so important to entrepreneurs?
“For entrepreneurs, it is crucial that plans for spatial development actually get implemented and do not remain stuck in strategy. Soft plans must be solidified and we must take steps toward realization. That means not only making existing business parks more efficient and sustainable, but also looking at where we can find new space. Without additional business space, we cannot properly facilitate business growth and the transition to a circular economy.”

>> ‘Make grid congestion part of the solution’

How can existing sites be better utilized?
“Through densification of business parks, which also involves increasing the height, we can use the available space much more effectively. That means redesigning outdated business parks, not only to make better use of space, but also to make them future-proof. Think about modernizing the infrastructure, energy facilities and a better mix of business activity on the sites. And that should also fit with the standards in the neighboring areas. Of course, grid congestion is additionally a challenge, but we have to see it as an obstacle to be overcome and make it part of the solution.”

What else is needed besides better utilization?
“Simply densifying and restructuring is not enough to meet the space needs of businesses. The initiated transformation of some existing business parks to other functions, such as housing, means that new space must be found elsewhere. The need for expansion has been identified in the STEC study, among others, and cannot be ignored. As far as we are concerned, the ROM-B should also help to find and develop new sites.”

>> ‘Entrepreneurs are willing to invest’

What role does sustainability play in these plans?
“Sustainability and circularity are not separate goals, but preconditions in everything we do. We want future-proof business parks in which greening, sustainable energy solutions and accessibility are self-evident. Entrepreneurs understand this and are willing to invest, provided there is a clear long-term vision from governments and other stakeholders and provided they are actively involved in decision-making. The ROM-B can contribute to the right conditions and investments.”

What do entrepreneurs need to accelerate this process?
“Speed, clarity and that the framework conditions are in place. We need concrete projects that we can get to work on immediately, rather than long exploration processes without tangible results. The project pipeline and quick scan now underway will help prioritize. But we must ensure that this phase also leads quickly to an actual portfolio with associated investments and implementation instruments. This requires cooperation between entrepreneurs, municipalities, province, national government and associated stakeholders. In short; a workable and efficient ROM-B that can move quickly.”

>> ‘Speed and clarity are key, as are preconditions’

How do you look at cooperation with the province and the state?
“Regionally, nationally and internationally, the Leiden region has a unique profile. With Bioscience in Leiden and the economic clusters focused on Space (Noordwijk) and Unmanned systems (Katwijk), the region offers a very attractive business climate with a lot of knowledge and innovation. And with all the other unique characteristics and good location, also a very good living climate. All companies benefit from that mix. For good positioning and development, good cooperation is of course essential. Within Key Region Leiden, but also with Holland Rijnland, the province and the state. Together we can make impact faster. So we want to ensure that this does not just remain a regional initiative, but connects to the broader shared economic and spatial ambitions. Only then can we improve earning capacity for the benefit of broad prosperity. A good start of the ROM-B offers an opportunity to strengthen public-private cooperation and enable strategic investments in business parks. We must put our shoulders to the wheel on this together.”

>> ‘Improving earning power benefits broad prosperity’

What is the call to entrepreneurs in the region?
“Take action and think with us. Indicate how you see the future and what is needed for that. And what you can do yourself and what you need from someone else. This is the time for entrepreneurs to indicate how we want to develop our business parks and to influence this. The ROM-B is an instrument that can make a real difference, but we must ensure that leadership and decisiveness are shown from all ranks. We cannot keep waiting for the space issue to resolve itself. The time to act is now.”

Background
Key Region Leiden, as a pilot of Holland Rijnland, is now starting an exploration of the establishment of a ROM-B. The aim is to provide space for businesses on existing business parks, contribute to the solidification of soft planning capacity, balance living and working and thus make an important and necessary contribution to broad prosperity.

• Also read the interview with Alderman Jacco Knape (Municipality of Katwijk).
• Read more background on the ROM-B project page.

[Source:Brink.co.uk] Imagine a serious game. The game board consists of a map with six adjacent municipalities. Players choose different roles, for example as a municipality, company or resident. The goal is not for one party to win, but for all parties to agree on the ultimate division of space. But that is not easy: the space is already built up, while the population is growing. And as each new neighborhood is built, there must also be room for more businesses, to keep the balance right. Only if players work well together, and thus do not only pursue their own self-interest, can they win the game.

Your role in this game: that of an independent advisor managing the process.

If a play were ever to be made of Birgit Hopff’s work, it would go something like this. As area director for business parks in the Leiden region, she is involved in implementing Key Region Leiden’s spatial strategy for business parks. This partnership includes representatives of six municipalities, entrepreneurs and educational institutions to strengthen the region’s economy, including by improving business parks and providing space for new and innovative companies.

In practice, however, the region runs into challenges that complicate this fine ambition. “There is simply a shortage of space,” said Birgit. “Thanks to this partnership, there is now a regional approach to this. Municipalities first look within their own borders for opportunities to create business activity, if that fails, they may also look at another municipality.”

Connections

In her day-to-day work, Birgit is mainly busy bringing parties together to see how they can best join forces. “The region has the ambition to drive the knowledge economy, but in order to make it happen, it is important that everyone sits around the table with each other. The topic of conversation should be: how can we together realize this ambition? My role is to bring parties together, across municipal boundaries, ensuring that the Key Region Leiden spatial strategy is actually implemented.”

An additional challenge for companies in the region, is that it is quite complicated to find space for new business parks anymore. Birgit: “And so we have to look for other solutions. I therefore believe that in the future we will also have to look more at high-rise buildings and stacking functions on business parks, but there is still some resistance to that at the moment.”

Kentering

Since Birgit started as area director three years ago, she has seen a turnaround in the way the various parties work together. “It’s really a matter of getting and staying in touch with each other. You see that some entrepreneurs don’t really care much about such a region at first, and that’s understandable. Think of a cleaning company, for example: what does the transition to a knowledge economy mean for such an entrepreneur? If you sit down at the table, you do come up with business opportunities that such a thing offers, for example, in offering specialized cleaning services for laboratories. What I learned particularly during the implementation of this vision is how important it is to include everyone at the front end. After all, you are dealing with different parties, with conflicting interests. The earlier you involve them in the process, the smoother the implementation of such a program will go.”

Serious game

An important lesson Birgit has learned in this partnership: “In essence, it often comes down to working on mutual relationships. If several parties have to work together and there are conflicting interests, the main focus is often on the hard agreements. But at least as important is to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, to understand why another party attaches so much value to a certain aspect of the cooperation. Then you come to an agreement much sooner.”

To map out this complexity and help parties learn to understand each other, Birgit, together with Brink colleagues, Felixx Landscape Architects and PosadMaxwan as partners, developed a serious game as part of the so-called Handreiking clusters of large-scale business locations, commissioned by the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning. Birgit: “A role-playing game can work very well to bring companies, governments and developers to the table to discuss wishes for the development of new business parks. The best joint result is not achieved by pulling out all the stops, but rather by really learning to understand each other.”

Her ambition for the coming years? “Within Key Region Leiden we are now investigating whether we can set up a spatial development company business parks (ROM-B), an investment fund to revitalize, intensify and make existing business parks more sustainable. There are quite a few outdated business parks in the region. Such an investment fund would not only refurbish these sites, but could also provide substantially more square meters of business space. We are currently investigating the feasibility of this initiative. The ROM-B has now been recognized as a priority project within Holland Rhineland’s Regional Investment Agenda. For further realization, we will eventually also need the support of both the province and the state. But only when there are the necessary signatures under this can we really start taking big steps.”

Space for work is scarce. A strong economy requires future-proof work locations, especially given the new direction of the province of South Holland, in which both living and working will have to make do with the space they currently have. This can be read on the Holland Rijnland website.

This calls for revitalization, intensification and redevelopment of existing business parks, more efficient use of space, area-specific intensification, housing the right companies in the right place and creating shift space. The Ruimtelijke Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij bedrijventerreinen (the ROM-B) is an instrument to address this.

The creation of the ROM-B is being worked on initially in the Leiden region, as part of Key Region Leiden’s business park strategy (with representation from municipalities and businesses).

Space for work is scarce. A strong economy requires future-proof work locations, especially given the new direction of the province of South Holland, in which both living and working will have to make do with the space they currently have. This can be read on the Holland Rijnland website.

This calls for revitalization, intensification and redevelopment of existing business parks, more efficient use of space, area-specific intensification, housing the right companies in the right place and creating shift space. The Ruimtelijke Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij bedrijventerreinen (the ROM-B) is an instrument to address this.

The creation of the ROM-B is being worked on initially in the Leiden region, as part of Key Region Leiden’s business park strategy (with representation from municipalities and businesses).

Key Region Leiden is now starting an exploration into the establishment of a ROM-B as a pilot of Holland Rijnland. The aim is to provide space for businesses on existing business sites, to contribute to the solidification of soft planning capacity, to balance living and working and thus to make an important and necessary contribution to broad prosperity. We interview Jacco Knape, alderman for the economy in Katwijk and administrative leader of the regional business parks steering committee, about the approach.

Why is the broad Leiden region so important to South Holland’s economy?

“The Leiden region is a powerful economic engine within South Holland. Thanks to its strong knowledge economy, including the Leiden Bio Science Park, Unmanned Valley and the NL Space Cluster, Regio-071 plays a key role in the economic dynamics of the urban axis of Holland Rijnland, with positive effects on South Holland and the Netherlands. In addition, the presence of business activity on the various business parks is essential for a well-functioning city and region. It is crucial to maintain sufficient space for this activity. After all, where people live, they must also be able to work.”

>> ‘Where you live, you must also be able to work’

What are the expectations for the coming years, especially for employment?

“The region is experiencing continuous growth. For example, the number of jobs at the Leiden Bio Science Park has grown by as much as 37% since 2010. That is much more than the South Holland average of 7%. Between 6,000 and 9,000 new jobs are expected to be created at the Bio Science Park alone until 2027. And that’s not counting growth in other sectors. Growth is also on the cards in the local economy, which is often located in business parks. After all, more residents also means more work for the broad-based SME sector. We want to keep those jobs close by, shortening the commuting distance and reducing road congestion. Those new jobs provide opportunities for our region in terms of sustainable growth and broad-based prosperity. We are an important partner for the province on those policy goals.”

How does the Leiden region plan to manage this growth?

“One way we want to do that is by making our business parks more compact, sustainable and green. In addition to the additional space needed for business activity, we are cleverly creating space on existing sites for companies that want to locate or grow here. But we need the right resources to do this. A Spatial Development Company for Business Sites, the ROM-B, is in our view a crucial instrument to enable the better use of space on existing business sites.”

>> ‘With this tool, we achieve multiple goals’

Why is this ROM-B so important to the region?

“We attach great importance to space for business activity. Perhaps in time this will require looking more broadly than existing sites. Given the provincial frameworks in this area, however, we are making a vigorous start on making better use of existing sites. With the ROM-B we can make targeted investments in the improvement of business sites. This not only creates employment, but also contributes to broader social goals, such as sustainability, greening, climate resilience and energy transition. In addition, it allows us to strengthen public-private partnerships, making projects faster and more efficient.”

Why does Key Region Leiden want to take the lead?

“In the Leiden region, we already have a strong foundation of cooperation between governments, entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions through Key Region Leiden. That makes us the ideal place for a ROM-B pilot. Both governments and entrepreneurs have expressed the desire to set up a ROM-B and are working hard on it together. If this ROM-B is successful, we can expand the model to other parts of the Holland-Rijnland region. Clout and scalability are important points here. In this way we can jointly tackle the challenges we face as a region, because the economy does not stop at municipal boundaries. The Leiden region sees the power of cooperation and is therefore happy to take the lead in the exploration towards a ROM-B.”

What is needed to make the ROM-B successful?

“The municipalities and cooperation partners are willing to invest heavily to create space for businesses. However, we will not get there alone. Provincial support, and perhaps support from the state, will also be needed to achieve the necessary financial clout. With that support, we can build a strong instrument that not only benefits our region, but also contributes to broader provincial goals. These include sustainable economic development, creating more jobs in the region and broad prosperity. Keeping the balance between living and working is key. Together we can make a positive impact.”

>> ‘Municipalities willing to invest heavily’

Finally, what would you like to give to the province?

“With the ROM-B, we are not only making the Leiden region stronger, but also contributing to a more sustainable, innovative economy for all of South Holland. The economy and broad prosperity in our province have been under pressure for years. The province therefore wants to strengthen economic performance and improve broad prosperity. We are ready to put our shoulders to the wheel and make a concerted effort to achieve this. We hope that the province appreciates the opportunities and takes an active stand for a working approach. For businesses, our residents and future generations.”

• Also read this interview with Chairman Entrepreneurial Leiden, Willem-Jan Zirkzee:
• Read more background on the ROM-B project page.