Revitalizing a once forgotten past? How the Arnhem Nijmegen City Region can use its industrial DNA to contribute to spatial, economic and tourist development

Abstract

As is the concept of a Regionaal Beeldverhaal, this research deals with multiple issues, varying from economic profit, leisure activities, regional marketing and economic characteristics and chances, all linked to the redevelopment of industrial heritage in the Arnhem Nijmegen City Region. How can one redevelop a former factory complex in order to make these formerly abandoned places once again thriving hubs of activity? Looking at the characteristics of the industrial sector in the Arnhem Nijmegen City Region and to what extent these characteristics contribute in defining the cultural identity of the entire region is the starting point for this analysis. Of which is this industrial identity composed, leading to the relevant question of how one can describe this industrial DNA. If one speaks of the Arnhem Nijmegen City Region, to what extent is one referring to the region’s industrial DNA? Of course, industrial characterization is closely linked to the maintenance and redevelopment of industrial heritage. This research tries to find possibilities that emerge out of this DNA for policy makers. Therefore, since this report is composed in cooperation with the Regional Tourist Board (RBT-KAN), it is interesting to see in what way spatial, tourist and economic development can be linked to the redevelopment of former factory complexes. Therefore, the main goal of this research is: To find out to what extent the Arnhem Nijmegen City Region could use its industrial DNA to contribute to spatial, economic and tourist development.