The former jail, Blokhuispoort, has been transformed from a jail into a creative hub for entrepreneurs and pioneers. Come and enjoy the buzz!
Blokhuispoort it the new exciting incubator for start-up entrepreneurs in the creative sector. Start-ups are challenged to contribute to the building itself and find nicely designed places to work. Either as an office in a former jail cell or in a co-workingplace hosted by Blokhuispoort or one of its tenants (the bieb, library) and two restaurants which offer a coworking place. The Blokhuispoort management organises specialised work shops for professional services offered to the entrpreneurs and create a hub for networking in the region.
Resources needed
150.000 euro is needed every year to manage the Blokhuispoort and make it attractive to start-up companies.
Evidence of success
25 companies, varying from serious gaming, hairdressers, artists, architects are residing at the premises of Blokhuispoort. Next to the companies, the beating heart of the organisation of Leeuwarden, Cultural City in Europe 2018 was and is situated in the Blokhuispoort. After the year 2018, this organization has been turned into a lobbying club for the creative sector. The main focus now is on 2028, when Leeuwarden wants to demonstrate it is still alive and kicking 10 years after the big events.
Difficulties encountered
The challenge is that we have to keep the buzz going. We need creative, innovative people who not only take but also give back to the Blokhuispoort. Either by providing knowledge or network (launching customer sharing. Recognition of the creative sector as a motor for SME development at politicians.
Potential for learning or transfer
The building used to be a potential problem in the city centre. Because of the transformation to creative hub, the building became very popular. So, dedicating the building to the creative sector proved to be the success. Any problem area with a distinctive building can be used for a creative hotspot. Installing an incubator-like organisation in such a hot spot and funding this organisation with some manpower and marketing budget can realise a buzz in a city centre and create entrepreneurship stimulation. To keep being successful you need to attract both people, entrepreneurs and governmental institutions.
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Tags: Creative, Entrepreneurship, Growth, Startups
