EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Across the Bridge, events in Feijenoord

Across the Bridge, events in Feijenoord - Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Introduction

The flow of visitors to prominent events in Rotterdam circumvents Feijenoord. As a result, an economic potential remains largely unutilised. The cultural dynamics of events can help Feijenoord develop into an economically attractive centre.

Description

Organise existing Rotterdam events with an urban allure in Feijenoord. Feijenoord will therefore become firmly rooted in Rotterdam's tourism and recreational sector and the economic climate for business and the local community will receive an impulse.

Approach

The first step comprises obtaining an insight into events that are suitable for Feijenoord. Event organisers will then be attracted to the area with the cooperation of community organisations and retailers' associations. Cooperation between these organisations and local parties is paramount.

Results

The success of this approach is reflected in the organisation of eight events. World Port Days and the Summer Carnival were organised in Feijenoord for the first time. The events have provided the area with an economic impulse. The positive publicity has attracted greater investment in local enterprise within the area. Cooperative arrangements have been made that did not exist or barely existed beforehand.

Resources used

European subsidy: € 199.860
Total cost: € 399.721

EU involvement

This project has been partially funded with Objective 2 funds. Since 2000 nine cities have been eligible for the Objective 2 Urban Areas in the Netherlands programme, which forms part of the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD) of the European Union. EFRD is one of the four Structural Funds of the European Commission. The programme helps cities to carry out projects that benefit disadvantaged areas.

In the Netherlands, total European Objective 2 subsidies concern 192 million euros. 4.25% of the Dutch population lives in the selected areas.

The European Commission prescribes that for every euro from the EFRD, a minimum of one euro must be contributed from the government. The cities must therefore add their own public or private funding to the European subsidy. The European programme is linked to the urban plans agreed within the context of the urban policy of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. For this, the cities can make use of funds that have been allocated to them in the context of the national urban policy.

Contact info

Rotterdam Feijenoord - local programme management
Phone: +31 10 2441751 / 2441755

Project start date

01/12/2002

Links

Deelgemeente Feijenoord

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Competitiveness, Specific sectors