BPD: building quality of life in a rapidly growing region
Housing is one of the greatest social challenges of our time. In the Brainport region, where economic growth is faster than in the rest of the Netherlands, this challenge is particularly acute. BPD | Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling has been working for over 80 years to create liveable, affordable and future-proof residential environments. The area developer also plays an important role in Brabant and Limburg. ‘After all, everyone has the right to a pleasant and affordable home,’ says Erik Leijten, Regional Director South.
Investing together in solutions
BPD is a partner of the Brainport Partner Fund, actively working on solutions to regional bottlenecks. According to Leijten, cooperation is essential in this regard. ‘Housing construction is also a major and often difficult task. It cannot be solved alone. We have a shared responsibility that also touches on issues such as accessibility, climate adaptation and social support. Parties need to seek each other out in this regard.’
He notes that pressure on the housing market is increasing. ‘It is almost impossible to find a home for less than £450,000. More and more people are waiting for affordable housing. This affects society. That is why we need to look beyond just building. We need to discuss how we can develop residential areas with an eye for quality of life. The Brainport Partner Fund helps us to have that discussion with partners and residents.’
Connected to the region
There is a strong connection to Brabant and Limburg, also on a personal level. ‘I have lived here for a long time,’ says Leijten. “This region has a unique history. Forty years ago, DAF went bankrupt and Philips underwent a major reorganisation. A large proportion of the people here were left without work. It was a huge crisis, but we saw something extraordinary happen here: public and private parties started to really work together for the first time, in what was called the triple helix. That mentality – taking responsibility together – is deeply embedded in Brainport's DNA.”
He recognises the same mentality in BPD's projects. ‘Our homes and neighbourhoods will remain in place for decades. That means you have to make choices that will still be valid in the future. That requires forward thinking. That's why we design environments where people can age healthily, where there is room for social interaction, nature and sustainability. We feel responsible for guaranteeing that quality.’
Growth requires choices
Leijten is impressed by the economic development of the Brainport region. ‘Employment is rising, companies are investing, new campuses are being built. This is happening at an incredible pace, and we can be proud of that. The region is flourishing and there is an interesting vibe in the air.’ However, he also emphasises the downside: "For many residents, the growth does not always feel positive. They experience traffic congestion, a shortage of housing and have concerns about quality of life. This is happening both in villages with their own character and community and in neighbourhoods in cities where quality of life can come under pressure. These are serious signals that we must not ignore."
That is why, in addition to acceleration, a good explanation is needed. ‘There are parties that would prefer to slow down growth and build less. But I don't think that's an option; it doesn't solve anything. We have to look ahead: build for tomorrow's demand. Not just quantity, but quality too. That's not a threat; it's investing in the future of this region.’
Temporary solutions and new connections
To achieve results more quickly, BPD also looks for creative possibilities. A liveable neighbourhood is not created solely on the drawing board. BPD actively involves residents in the design and development of residential environments. ‘Through resident panels, participation meetings and local discussions, we find out what is important to people. In this way, we work together to build neighbourhoods that truly meet the needs of the community.’ Brainport Partnerfonds is also committed to dialogue. ‘We want to know what people find important: from road safety to social facilities. That input is essential for making future-proof choices.’
BPD also considers social issues. One example is an initiative in which BPD housing fund is investigating whether affordable housing can be reserved for people in critical professions. “Think of healthcare workers, for example. If they cannot find housing here, it will ultimately affect the entire region. But we are also looking specifically at first-time buyers, the elderly and middle-income families. They are at risk of falling between two stools. By working together smartly, you can create housing solutions that have an impact on the broader quality of life.”