Gelderland transforms IJsselweide business park into green and climate-resilient hub
Businesses and residents in Ulft/Gendringen will soon benefit from a greener, safer, and more sustainable IJsselweide business park. The redevelopment, backed by provincial subsidies, aims to reduce heat stress, improve water drainage, and boost biodiversity—while fostering collaboration among local entrepreneurs.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | IJsselweide business park, Ulft/Gendringen (Gelderland) |
| Project Start | March 2026 (construction sign unveiled) |
| Expected Completion | End of 2026 / early 2027 |
| Key Improvements | Green spaces, rainwater drainage, traffic safety, climate adaptation |
| Funding | Provincial subsidy (Future-proof Business Parks scheme) + municipal incentive fund |
| Entrepreneurs’ Involvement | New association formed for collaboration and redevelopment efforts |
| Notable Stakeholders | Aldermen Ria Ankersmit & John Haverdil, Deputy Helga Witjes (Province of Gelderland) |
The Province of Gelderland plays a key role in regional economic development, including the revitalization of business parks. Through subsidies and policy frameworks, it supports municipalities and entrepreneurs in creating sustainable, future-proof industrial areas. The municipality of Oude IJsselstreek implements these plans locally, ensuring infrastructure and public spaces meet modern standards.
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Future-proof business park IJsselweide one step closer
Last Wednesday, Aldermen Ria Ankersmit and John Haverdil and Deputy Helga Witjes of the Province of Gelderland unveiled the construction sign at business park IJsselweide. The unveiling of the sign marks the start of making the business park in Ulft/Gendringen future-proof. The project is part of the provincial approach to future-proof existing business parks.
Since 2022, the municipality has been in talks with entrepreneurs to jointly develop an agreed-upon design for the layout of the public space. Alderwoman Ria Ankersmit: “We are replacing, for example, paved surfaces with lawns, herb-rich grass and green parking spaces, and planting new trees. Attention is also paid to climate adaptation; the new rainwater sewer can better capture and drain rainwater. This helps to reduce waterlogging and heat stress while simultaneously contributing to biodiversity and a pleasant working environment. At the same time, we are improving traffic safety by clearly designing intersections and adjusting the street profile.”
Subsidy and incentive fund
Entrepreneurs can also do a lot themselves to prepare their sites and buildings for the future. A number of entrepreneurs have already started by adding green parking spaces and making façade adjustments. The municipality’s incentive fund can help with this, but the Province of Gelderland is also supporting the project with a subsidy from the Future-proof Business Parks scheme. Deputy Helga Witjes of the Province of Gelderland:
“With the unveiling of this construction sign, we show that as a province we are not only investing in bricks and infrastructure, but especially in the future of our Gelderland business parks. IJsselweide is a fine example of how, together with the municipality and entrepreneurs, we are choosing for redevelopment, greening and climate resilience. By strengthening existing sites, we create space, quality and a healthy business climate – exactly what our regional economy needs. I am proud that we are tackling this together.”
An entrepreneurs’ association has now been set up for IJsselweide. Alderman John Haverdil: “There are many different companies at the business park, from physiotherapy and childcare to larger companies in the manufacturing industry. It’s great to see that they are now slowly starting to reach out to each other and look at how they can collaborate. It’s also pleasant for us as a municipality to have a good discussion partner in the entrepreneurs’ association, enabling us to achieve more in making the oldest business park in Ulft/Gendringen future-proof.”
The outdoor works for the redevelopment of the public space will start in the coming period. This will involve, among other things, addressing the roads, adding extra greenery and taking measures to better infiltrate rainwater. Utilities will also carry out works in and around the area to adjust and improve cables and pipelines. The works will be carried out in phases and are expected to be completed by the end of 2026/early 2027.