“Facilitate the development of an ecosystem”
In order to strengthen the attractiveness and economic development of the territory, the elected representatives of the Béthune-Bruay Artois Lys Romane agglomeration community (100 municipalities for 276,238 inhabitants) wish to facilitate the reception of project leaders. They thus launched a Call for Expressions of Interest to develop new business real estate offers at the start of the year.
SMEs, artisans and startups
The opening of incubators and business hotels, or relay buildings, is a strategic lever to support the establishment of new economic players. Faced with the scarcity of land offers and, conversely, a growing demand from entrepreneurs, the AMI for groups of investors and promoters planned to build business premises in different areas of economic activity in the territory is one of the solutions approved by the urban community. “We want to create the necessary offer, namely small cells for SMEs, craftsmen and start-ups, and thus allow the development of an ecosystem around the major economic areas of the territory” explains Steve Bossart, mayor of Billy-Berclau and vice-president of the Béthune-Bruay Artois Lys Romane urban community in charge of economic development and digital transition.
6 sites identified
He adds : “There are needs but no turnkey offers adapted to the needs of these entrepreneurs. We noticed it during the installation of the EP2B (Editor’s note: Béthune Bruay Production School), it was necessary to improve the real estate offer”. Six sites have thus been identified by the agglomeration in the following activity zones: the Auchel industrial zone (cells from 250 to 600 m2), the Parc de la Porte des Flandres in Auchy-les-Mines (cells from 300 to 800 m2), the Parc du Bois Carré in Houdain (cells from 200 to 400 m2), the Parc de la Haye in Lillers (cells from 200 to 500 m2), the Industrial Zone of Ruitz (cells from 600 to 900 m2) and the LogisterrA26 park which extends over the municipalities of Noeux-les-Mines and Labourse (cells from 600 to 900 m2). “The buildings developed must eventually accommodate the activities of small industrial productions or industrial start-ups around architectural and energy quality”. A guarantee of performance for future businesses in the area.
Candidates had until July 1 to submit their applications. And these are 4 applications that have been pre-selected, “well-crafted files that are of real interest” says Steve Bossart. For a final decision expected before the end of the year. Be that as it may, the projects selected will benefit from the support of the CABBALR services with regard to administrative procedures and the marketing of new real estate offers. “We do not create economic development, we are facilitators” finish the chosen one.