EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Heerlen: Arts centre Signe to lend some lustre to the neighbourhood again

Heerlen: Arts centre Signe to lend some lustre to the neighbourhood again

Introduction

The project will ensure that the building in Willemstraat is structurally suitable and will contribute to operations over a two-year period.

Problem

Arts centre Signe will help upgrade Willemstraat and the surrounding area. Organising cultural activities will enhance Willemstraat's image as a "cultural street".

Description

Willemstraat and the surrounding area have been caught in a downward spiral for several decades. A need exists for new functions in the area. The area will receive an impulse thanks to the renovation of a former shop property situated in Willemstraat. Once the necessary renovations have been completed, the arts centre Signe will become a permanent occupant of the building. The centre will attract a constant stream of visitors to the area by organising exhibitions, lectures and other cultural activities.

Approach

The spearheads within the Heerlen URBAN II programme document are:

Innovative neighbourhood philosophy: links between policy levels (regional and local level) in the approach to problem areas.
Neighbourhood development programmes: promoting self-activation in the neighbourhoods.
Following on from and fitting in with the developments and innovation pilots from government.
Station district Centrum-Noord: station district is pilot point between the privileged and the under-privileged.
Working on self-awareness and improving one's image.

Results

Willemstraat will acquire a cultural function. The structural reinforcement approach will halt the street's downward spiral.

EU involvement

URBAN II is an initiative of the European Commission. The aim is to support innovative projects in the field of urban regeneration in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The URBAN II projects will set an example for national urban policy. In the Netherlands, areas in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Heerlen have been allocated for the period 2000-2006. In Heerlen the URBAN II project involves six neighbourhoods with a total of 43,806 inhabitants, in the north and east of the city.

Financing

European subsidy: € 80.000
Total cost: € 425.000

Contact info

The local programme management
Phone: +31 45 5604209

Project start date

01/01/2004

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Specific sectors