On the east side of Arnhem, there are several important business parks: Het Broek, Cleantech Park Arnhem, and Nieuwe Haven. These parks, together with Westervoortsedijk and Oude Veerweg, form the Innovative Manufacturing District Arnhem. These areas are vital to Arnhems economy. Some parts are outdated and the available space is not well utilized. At the same time, more space is needed for businesses, for example because companies in Spoorzone-Oost must make way for housing. Therefore, in recent months, a district vision for the Innovative Manufacturing District Arnhem has been developed together with entrepreneurs and other stakeholders. The municipal executive has sent this vision to the council this week.
The beating heart of the manufacturing industry
The district vision provides direction for the future of these areas. The Innovative Manufacturing District Arnhem is a place where companies, knowledge institutions, and startups collaborate on smart solutions for the energy transition and circular economy. More than 7,500 people already work here. Alderman for Economy Nermina Kundić: “This area is the beating heart of our manufacturing industry. Here, companies work together on smart solutions for today and tomorrow. With this vision, we make the area future-proof: accessible, safe, healthy, and sustainable.
Het Broek remains a place for manufacturing and local businesses. More greenery will be added so you can enjoy a pleasant lunch walk, for example. We also improve connections with the surroundings. Nieuwe Haven is already the center for sustainable innovations in inland shipping and maritime manufacturing. We ensure extra attention to safety and good accessibility. Cleantech Park Arnhem is an incubator for companies working on energy and circularity, with startups and established enterprises.
More jobs and space for growth
The vision looks ahead to 2040 and focuses on more space for companies, sustainable design, and 10 percent more jobs. Kundić: “We want existing companies to be able to expand and more people to find jobs here. That is why we make room for growth. The Innovative Manufacturing District offers space for innovative companies, especially in the energy sector and circular economy. But also for service providers such as installation or handyman companies, and companies relocating from the area that will become the new residential-work district Rijnpark.
Together with entrepreneurs
“We cannot do this as a municipality alone, said Kundić. “And we don’t want to. We made this plan together with entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, such as the Stichting Arnhemse Bedrijventerreinen. They contributed in discussions, meetings, and during a walk through the area. Their ideas are important for this vision. The new district vision is expected to be discussed in the municipal council in early 2026.