Strijp-S now has its own BIZ: entrepreneurs and property owners invest jointly in the area

The Business Investment Zone (BIZ) for Strijp-S is now a fact and can begin in early 2026. The aim is to grow into a second, vibrant city centre. “Because the area is new and still very much in development, setting up a BIZ wasn’t so easy,” says board member Jan Buys of Klokgebouw Cultuurhallen.

Buys has been working on it for almost three years. “Buildings are disappearing and new ones are being added, and with that, users and owners change too. That makes the process complex.”

For the next five years, roughly two hundred thousand euros will be available annually to work on several themes. Buys: “These include topics such as events, safety, atmospheric lighting, greening, and waste. But for us, From Inside to Outside is one of the key priorities.”

“A lot is happening at Strijp-S, but too much of it is still hidden. We need to make it more visible.” He mentions examples such as the work of artists and designers, or bands rehearsing on outdoor stages.

A BIZ is a designated area in which property owners and entrepreneurs invest together. To establish a BIZ, at least 50 percent of them must cast a vote, and two-thirds of those votes must be in favour.

Clear majority
From 19 September to 1 November, voting was open. This resulted in a clear majority: 85 votes in favour. This makes participation mandatory for everyone within the zone.

According to alderman Stijn Steenbakkers (area development Strijp-S), the result is impressive. “The fact that 85 percent voted positively shows how strong their commitment to the area is. With the BIZ, they are joining forces to further build the identity of Strijp-S.”