'Space for work requires cooperation and decisive action'

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 That means redesigning outdated business parks, not only to make better use of space, but also to make them future-proof.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.