The 90 hectare Industrial Park Kleefse Waard (IPKW), purchased in 2003 by developer and real estate investor Schipper Bosch, aims to provide the ultimate foundation climate for innovative companies in Energy and Environmental Technology (EMT). The existing companies which had previously become independent of AkzoNobel served as the base, external companies were invited to join.
For the redevelopment of the industrial park, they collaborated with the City of Arnhem and West 8 made a master plan. First and foremost, it recommended a rigorous touch-up for the outdoor area. With the original fencing kept, the individual lots have made room for one connected plot with a sleek, clear layout. The buildings were placed on turf and trees were planted on the main connections.
The buildings are now divided into three categories. Buildings without economic or cultural-historical value may be demolished. Buildings with economic value alone may remain standing, but can be replaced on the long term. Most of the buildings that also have cultural-historical value were designed by D. Masselink, the in-house architect of what was then called the General Rayon Union (AKU) – are or will be revitalized and adapted to meet the requirements of our time, while retaining their historic character. This is often done in close collaboration with OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen.
An important feature of IPKW is that clean tech companies feel connected, resulting in a community. That feeling of community is furthered by countless communal facilities and activities, including park restaurant De Waard, conference areas, park management, technical service and central reception and security in the renewed Poortgebouw of NL Architects. Anyone who works there can use shared bikes and shared electric cars; twice a week, IPKW’ers can take part in bootcamp and so-called Green Industry Events are regularly held with themes combining sustainability, innovation and the (creative) industry.
Examples of companies located at IPKW include AkzoNobel, Platowood, TÜV Rheinland, Allego, General Electric, Veolia, Teijin Aramid and 4PET Recycling. For starting companies, there is the Greenhouse, a clean tech incubator. This provides shelter as well as access to supervision, advice and opportunities for growth. Various (product) designers are located close to one another and for them a shared workspace is established to encourage cross-pollination.
