Urban Renewal Programmes and Comon receive prestigious European label

The Urban Renewal Programmes for Neighbourhoods of the Urban Renewal Service and the Urban Living Lab ‘Comon’ have received the prestigious ‘URBACT good practice’ label. Both practices are recognised as inspiring examples of urban renewal and cooperation that are impactful, participatory, integrated and relevant, as well as easily transferable to other European cities.

What is the URBACT-label?

The European programme URBACT called on European cities to submit their successful urban projects and good practices in spring 2024. URBACT rewarded the best applicants with a European label.

URBACT supports cities in developing sustainable integrated policies for urban challenges through networking, capacity building, knowledge sharing and communication. Although there is no monetary prize attached, the ‘URBACT good practice’ label offers visibility and the opportunity to be part of the ‘URBACT Transfer Network’. This network enables cities to transfer their good practices to other European cities and to improve their own functioning.

Urban Renewal Programmes for Neighbourhoods

In order to achieve sustainable urban renewal in Ghent, we work with a tailor-made long-term vision in certain neighbourhoods. Based on this vision, projects, experiments, actions and activities are defined and implemented. Sustainable change in a neighbourhood requires a balance between improving the quality of life on a social, economic, spatial and environmental level. Every place is unique and requires a tailor-made approach.

An integrated strategy focusing on communication, people-oriented planning, participation and co-creation is essential. The programme directors of the Urban Renewal Service coordinate the programmes and streamline projects towards the predetermined vision.

Programme communicators focus on stakeholder management and ensure that timely and accurate information reaches residents. To realise a programme effectively, cooperation with project managers, field workers, policy officers and many others is crucial.

Comon

Comon brings together Ghentians, researchers and technologists to make Ghent an even better city, with technology as part of the solution. How? By listening to what keeps Ghentians awake, coming up with solutions for them, and testing them. Comon brings people together in unexpected ways, encouraging them to make tangible things, to experiment and to learn continuously. This structural collaboration between the City of Ghent, Ghent University, imec and De Krook Library stimulates digital innovation that truly puts people first.