Province of Utrecht continues with the deployment of Development Company Utrecht
Space in the Province of Utrecht is scarce; it is a popular area to live, work, and recreate. Therefore, the province wants to use the available space as smartly as possible. To this end, it supports the redevelopment of outdated industrial sites. These are prime locations that are often underutilized but have great potential. The Development Company Utrecht (OMU) plays a key role in this. After evaluation, the Provincial Council unanimously decided to increase the OMUs budget by 30 million euros.
A recent evaluation shows that the OMU is well on its way to intensifying and making outdated industrial sites more sustainable. Furthermore, it appears that the demand for space for business activities in Utrecht remains high: until 2040, the ambition is to gain 85 to 127 hectares of space on existing industrial sites instead of creating new supply; this is comparable to about 120 to 180 soccer fields. The current assignment to the OMU, namely to achieve 85 hectares of space gain on existing industrial sites, is the minimum needed to meet the demand for high-quality business locations in the province.
More space for existing and new entrepreneurs
To continue on this well-trodden path, it has been known since the start of the OMU approach in 2021 that additional resources are needed. Therefore, the province is now increasing the OMUs budget by 30 million euros. Deputy for Economy Andre van Schie: “With the decision of the Provincial Council, the OMU can ensure more space on industrial sites for existing and new entrepreneurs in our province in the coming years. This is also urgently needed with more and more residents who also want a pleasant workplace nearby.”
OMU focuses, among other things, on restructuring, intensifying, and making work locations more sustainable. This means: buying up outdated buildings, demolishing them, and preparing a plot for more sustainable and intensive use by new work functions.
From vacancy to vibrancy
A good example is the purchase of an outdated cheese warehouse and tapas factory in Woerden. To give an impulse to the future-proofing of the Barwoutswaarder industrial estate, OMU removes 10,000 m² gross floor area (GFA) of underutilized and obsolete business space from the market with this project. After the existing real estate is demolished and remediated, more than 1.3 hectares of construction-ready land with business zoning is added to the area. This creates a healthier living environment and ensures more intensive and sustainable use of these plots. There is also more space for employment, innovation, and a future-proof economy.
Frank Hazeleger, director of OMU: “We are proud that with our effective approach we have purchased, demolished, remediated, and prepared a very outdated business location for construction, and then sold it to a collective of 14 Woerden entrepreneurs who will jointly realize their new business premises here.”
For press information:
jelmer.geerds@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 42 47 30 33
