In 1997 the GSB {Revitalising Policy for Major Cities} was formulated. This marked the beginning of a new integrated approach to urban restructuring with the intent to provide cities with a new impulse, both socially, physically and economically. In this process, several knowledge centres were created to facilitate implementation of the new revitalising policy. The task of these centres is to guide and stimulate a flow of know-how and experience and thereby smoothening implementation in the field. KEI is the expert centre for the urban renewal {regeneration}. To shape the physical aspect of revitalising cities, a new urban renewal policy {Wsv} was launched in January 2000. This policy addresses the urgency for reshaping inner cities, brown fields {former industrial sites/harbours} and post-war neighbourhoods.Under this policy, cities are availed financial support for Urban Renewal {ISV, Investment budget for Urban Renewal}. By formulating Long term Development Programme, the so-called G4 {4 biggest cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht} and G26 {26 medium cities} have started the process of revitalising their urban centres and implementing the ISV policy. KEI is created to function as a centre of expertise for the physical component of urban renewal in particular. The prime aspects of facilitating the physical component are: Engaging all parties, both public and private, into the restructuring process; Operating under long-term, conglomerate financing {ISV}; Working on the basis of Long term Area - specific Development Programmes; Coordination between social and economic targets; Using bottom-up approach {‘citizens first’}. While all three aspects of urban revitalising are equally challenged, it is the physical component – with her lengthy tradition in planning and programming – which may well serve as the motor for integrated programming. In the menu on the left you can find more information about urban regeneration in the Netherlands and about KEI.
www.kei-centrum.nl