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

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.