The southern bank of Weerwater will be developed in the future into an area with a residential neighborhood and a high-tech campus. Additionally, it is intended that the business park De Steiger will eventually be expanded with companies and houses. This part of the Heart of the City will also become more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. These plans have been combined in the Masterplan South Bank Weerwater, which outlines the developments.
The college of mayor and aldermen has sent the Masterplan South Bank Weerwater to the municipal council. If the council agrees to the proposal, it will be further elaborated in a development plan per location: High Tech Campus, Hortus, and De Steiger.
Almere has the potential to become the fifth high-tech hotspot in the Netherlands. An ambition that has been underscored by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Province of Flevoland. To realize this, it is important to develop a High Tech Campus. Education, the business community, and possibly also a research institute will collaborate there on technological and social innovations. This can include the chip technology of tomorrow (deep tech) and developing sustainable solutions for energy use.
Recently, a motion was adopted by MPs Henk Vermeer and Claudia van Zanten regarding the establishment of a national research institute for materials science and metrology IAMM in Almere. This motion calls on the government to make maximum efforts in this regard. This is a boost for the Almere High Tech Campus plans. “IAMM can also play an important role in strengthening the Dutch and European position in the semiconductor industry. The broad acceptance of this motion shows that national politics also underscores its importance,” says alderman Maaike Veeningen.
Network of technological development
The realization of a High Tech Campus in Almere has a pull effect on other companies in the sector. Through collaboration between these companies, the high-tech cluster is expanded. Currently, it is still in its early stages. It is a network focused on technological development and innovations. This includes companies in deep tech and the semiconductor industry, as well as suppliers from the technical manufacturing industry that produce semi-finished products.
The construction of the campus will create new employment opportunities. Other companies that settle in Almere due to the arrival of the campus will also create new job opportunities. Therefore, the development of the campus is good for Almeres employment and economy. Another positive effect for Almere and the region is that the network contributing to innovative solutions will also expand.
“The construction of a High Tech Campus and the companies it attracts are a good addition to Almeres employment. These developments contribute to the ambition of creating more jobs in our city, so that residents increasingly have the opportunity to work here. Additionally, it is important for the city and the rest of the Netherlands that we provide space in Almere for the technological innovations of tomorrow,” says alderman Maaike Veeningen.
Connected
On the site of Hortus, which is also located on the southern bank of Weerwater, a residential neighborhood will be built in the future. The detailed plans for this are expected to be presented to the municipal council at the end of this year.
It is intended that De Steiger, Hortus, and the High Tech Campus will soon be well accessible for employees, residents, and visitors. Therefore, connections will be established in the form of walking and cycling paths and bus lanes. Additionally, there are plans to create a new stop for regional and city buses in the heart of the area.