Schiedam launches long-term plan to attract unique entrepreneurs to its historic city center
Schiedam is taking proactive steps to revitalize its city center by attracting distinctive, artisanal entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to boost local business, reduce vacancies, and create a vibrant urban hub for residents and visitors alike.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Attracting distinctive, artisanal, and characterful entrepreneurs |
| Organizers | Municipality of Schiedam, Schiedam Partners, Stichting Centrummanagement |
| Support Offered | Permits, accessibility improvements, attractive public space |
| Current Space Utilization | 86% (above national trend) |
| Target Entrepreneurs | Artisanal makers, specialty stores, unique concepts |
| Key Areas for New Residents | Glasbuurt, Schieveste, Rotterdamse M4H area |
| Goal | Long-term trajectory for a diverse, lively, and distinctive city center |
| Launch Date | March 2026 |
The municipality of Schiedam is responsible for urban development and economic policy within the city. Its role includes fostering a thriving business environment, improving public spaces, and collaborating with local stakeholders to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract visitors.
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Schiedam aims to attract notable entrepreneurs in the city center
The city center of Schiedam is bustling with activity. Schiedam Partners, the city marketing bureau, and the Stichting Centrummanagement Schiedam have been tasked by the municipality of Schiedam to develop an approach to attract and assist distinctive, artisanal, and characterful entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the Schiedam city center. The municipality supports where possible, for example with permits, accessibility, and an attractive public space. This joint approach to make the city center even more attractive was launched this week with property owners, real estate agents, and entrepreneurs in the city center.
Alderman Jarle Lourens (among others, city center): “In recent years, we have worked together with entrepreneurs, property owners, cultural institutions, and other partners to create a more attractive city center and a stronger business climate, and this is visibly bearing fruit. Space utilization has increased to 86 percent, partly due to higher investment willingness. This is contrary to the national trend, as recently revealed by research from retail researcher Locatus. But we are not done yet: we want to continue focusing on quality and a balanced mix of entrepreneurs.”
Full investment
Together with partners, the municipality has invested heavily in the city center in recent years. Efforts have been made to improve the quality of stay, liven up the city with events and activities, renovate buildings with the help of subsidies, and attract distinctive entrepreneurs. Vacant retail spaces have been temporarily filled, living above shops has been stimulated, and active measures have been taken to reduce vacancies.
These joint efforts are bearing fruit: more and more entrepreneurs and residents are choosing to establish themselves in the city center. A positive development that the municipality wants to continue and strengthen.
Passionate independents sought
The recruitment approach aims to attract so-called opinion leaders: independent entrepreneurs with passion, craftsmanship, and a unique appeal. Think of artisanal makers, specialty stores, and concepts that contribute to the experience, diversity, and identity of the city center.
We don't want to wait for entrepreneurs to accidentally find us,” according to Harrie Dechering of Schiedam Partners. “With this approach, we actively approach and attract entrepreneurs who fit the character of Schiedam. We show what the city has to offer: a historic city center full of Schiedam heritage, as the gin capital of the world, the Dutch Distillers District.
Strong balance
The approach aligns with the municipal ambition to ensure a strong balance between commercial, social, and cultural functions. Support for a mix of facilities in the city center is growing. Especially with the arrival of thousands of new residents around the city center in areas such as the Glasbuurt around the former glass factory site, Schieveste near Schiedam station, and the Rotterdamse M4H area.
Stichting Centrummanagement Schiedam plays an important role as a link between entrepreneurs, real estate agents, and property owners. “The right entrepreneur in the right place makes the difference,” says Maurice Haverkamp of Centrummanagement Schiedam. “We bring parties together, think along about suitable locations, and ensure that entrepreneurs feel welcome. Together we work on a lively city center.”
Alderman Lourens: “This approach is not a temporary action, but a long-term trajectory. Through continuous recruitment, monitoring, and cooperation, we work on a city center that remains diverse, lively, and distinctive in the future.”