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Blokhuispoort
Published on 22 October 2020
Netherlands
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Blokhuispoort it the new exciting incubator for start-up entrepreneurs in the creative sector. Start-ups are challenged to contribute to the building itself and find nicely designed places to work. Either as an office in a former jail cell or in a co-workingplace hosted by Blokhuispoort or one of its tenants (the bieb, library) and two restaurants which offer a coworking place. The Blokhuispoort management organises specialised work shops for professional services offered to the entrpreneurs and create a hub for networking in the region.
Expert opinion
This a great example of how repurposing a unique cultural site as a dedicated innovation hub can become a gathering point for innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs. As a good practice, the Blokhuispoort creative hub provides benefits on several levels:
1. The local community gains from having a well-designed and unique community space where they can view artwork, go to restaurants, attend workshops and other events.
2. Local businesses who occupy the building now have a unique workspace where they can interact with one another, network with other companies, collaborate with each other, and take advantage of the learning opportunities that are organized there.
3. There is high learning potential for this good practice because there are communities around the world that have unique buildings that could be repurposed in a similar fashion; adding a community gathering point for residents and creating an exciting work environment for local businesses.
See also the Policy Learning Platform´s Webinar on Creative Hubs to learn more about similar initiatives: https://www.interregeurope.eu/policylearning/news/6980/webinar-on-creative-hubs-support-infrastructures-for-creative-and-cultural-industries/
1. The local community gains from having a well-designed and unique community space where they can view artwork, go to restaurants, attend workshops and other events.
2. Local businesses who occupy the building now have a unique workspace where they can interact with one another, network with other companies, collaborate with each other, and take advantage of the learning opportunities that are organized there.
3. There is high learning potential for this good practice because there are communities around the world that have unique buildings that could be repurposed in a similar fashion; adding a community gathering point for residents and creating an exciting work environment for local businesses.
See also the Policy Learning Platform´s Webinar on Creative Hubs to learn more about similar initiatives: https://www.interregeurope.eu/policylearning/news/6980/webinar-on-creative-hubs-support-infrastructures-for-creative-and-cultural-industries/
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
150.000 euro is needed every year to manage the Blokhuispoort and make it attractive to start-up companies.
Evidence of success
25 companies, varying from serious gaming, hairdressers, artists, architects are residing at the premises of Blokhuispoort. Next to the companies, the beating heart of the organisation of Leeuwarden, Cultural City in Europe 2018 was and is situated in the Blokhuispoort. After the year 2018, this organization has been turned into a lobbying club for the creative sector. The main focus now is on 2028, when Leeuwarden wants to demonstrate it is still alive and kicking 10 years after the big events.
Potential for learning or transfer
The building used to be a potential problem in the city centre. Because of the transformation to creative hub, the building became very popular. So, dedicating the building to the creative sector proved to be the success. Any problem area with a distinctive building can be used for a creative hotspot. Installing an incubator-like organisation in such a hot spot and funding this organisation with some manpower and marketing budget can realise a buzz in a city centre and create entrepreneurship stimulation. To keep being successful you need to attract both people, entrepreneurs and governmental institutions.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Stichting Boei
Netherlands
Friesland (NL)
Contact
Director