City of Enschede

A recognisable and sustainable urban fringe around the city

Enschede with around 160,000 inhabitants, is the main city in Twente, in the eastern region in the Netherlands. Its economy was traditionally characterised by textile industry, but following the decline of this sector in the early 70s, the city and its region faced substantial unemployment.

After a significant period of transition, the region has been able to develop itself as a "technology valley", founded on the presence of the University and a growing number of high tech industries.

Private and public sector organisations, including the university and educational institutions have developed a regional "Innovation Roadmap" that should contribute to strengthening of the regional economy, in line with the Lisbon objectives.

The relation between the economy and Enschede's surrounding landscape has always been important. Numerous parks in and around the city were established in the previous century by wealthy textile industry owners.

Today, the green quality of the city and its region is invaluable for attracting businesses and inhabitants. However, economic growth and urban expansion put this green asset under pressure.

Enschede, together with its neigbouring cities Hengelo, (link to partner information) Almelo (link to partner information) and Borne, are interested in optimising the use and value of the urban fringe, establishing a clearly recognisable and sustainable zone in which a positive link between economy and landscape is created.

Furthermore, the value of the fringe may be exploited for city branding, building on the successful national "entente florale" prize that was awarded to Enschede in 2003.

The project aims to:

Create a distinct and sustainable urban fringe around the city of Enschede. The activities focus on the south, north and west of the city. Nature development and water are important elements in the reconstruction of the zone.

At the same time, policy guidelines for new economic activities and housing are being implemented. A number of activities include the integration of an ethnic and non-ethnic gardening association in the fringe zone and a pilot project to promote exchange between ethnic minorities and local farmers.

This will be done through:

1. Enschede and its surrounding region are actively developing policies and investment schemes for the urban fringe. They consider the fringes as very valuable zones that require specific focus, since the zones are under ever increasing pressure of urban development.
2. Working with partner Saxion (link to partner page) in production of a study on the financial benefits of investments in urban fringes in Enschede.
3. A regional strategy on urban fringes, to establish a common vision and implementation programme and a way to promote this to get more financial participation.
4. Building on the activities carried out under the previous URBAL project. A first approach for a framework policy was developed and this will be tested and implemented. External expertise will focus on new financing instruments and secondly on the use of art and cultural events for adding character to the urban fringe.
5. A pilot project to take over the rural control authority of the province government by the city government. This brings more control on urban fringe matters.