Podcast: Working in the city – is there still room for it in the future?

The demand for space in Leiden and the surrounding areas is enormous due to a growing population. The housing needed is increasingly being built on industrial estates, meaning that residential development is competing with space for businesses in the city. This is an undesirable development, as it puts pressure on employment opportunities and the range of amenities and services available in the city. To maintain both, a long-term vision is needed, along with clarity about the space currently available to businesses and what will be available in the future.

This topic was at the heart of the fourth episode of the Economy of Tomorrow podcast. Joining the discussion were Fleur Spijker, Alderman for Economic Affairs; Robbert Jan van der Veen, urban designer and co-owner of ECHO Urban Design; and Sven Bakker, entrepreneur and chair of the Rooseveltstraat Trekvliet business association.

“I increasingly see existing industrial estates being transformed into residential areas. Business owners are watching this process unfold before their eyes, leaving them uncertain about the future of their businesses and the areas in which they operate. As a result, some businesses are relocating, while others are postponing investments, for example in making their premises and surroundings more sustainable. This is an undesirable development,” says Sven Bakker.

Alderman Fleur Spijker understands the situation: “As a municipality, we are currently working with Ondernemend Leiden and Bedrijvig Leiden on a concrete action plan. This will include measures such as developing a vision for each area and appointing a dedicated space-finding officer to identify suitable locations for businesses. In this way, we aim to provide business owners and their employees with clarity, certainty and a clear outlook for the future.”

According to Robbert Jan, developing a long-term vision for each area is essential. “The vision will provide direction for the future development of an area. This includes considerations such as building heights, dual-purpose spaces, opportunities for combining different functions, and much more. Taking a long-term approach provides clarity and helps stimulate investment in making businesses and their surroundings more sustainable, as well as in the much-needed energy transition.”

Sven is cautiously optimistic: “It’s good that work is being done on a vision and that we’re going to do this together.” At the same time, he is concerned about the pace of progress. Will the municipality’s efforts be enough to build trust?

Listen to the podcast and let Robbert Jan van der Veen, Fleur Spijker and Sven Bakker guide you through their perspectives and experiences.