It was against this backdrop that, in June 2023, hub.brussels started to work together with perspective.brussels and urban.brussels to create a prototype “territorial economic analysis method” as part of the Urban Renovation Contract 7 ‘Around the Gare du Midi’, with the aim of understanding the economic identity of the ‘Deux Gares’ neighbourhood. The BUUR (SWECO), IDEA Consult and Osmos consortium was appointed to carry out this new mission.
This project reached a new milestone in 2024 with the publication of the Methodological Guide to the Economic Analysis of Neighbourhoods, which lists all the data that is available or needs to be collected in order to understand the local economic landscape. This guide uses a refined methodology allowing a more accurate identification of neighbourhoods’ economic realities, thus guiding the socio-economic actions to be carried out as part of urban revitalisation projects.
A more accurate economic analysis
The guide brings together both quantitative and qualitative economic data, and suggests performing an analysis on three levels:
- The regional level: to identify major macroeconomic trends and opportunities;
- The neighbourhood level: to understand its specific socio-economic, sectoral and commercial characteristics;
- The level of local companies and associations: to analyse interactions between stakeholders and the dynamics of cooperation or competition.
Turning analysis into practical initiatives
In addition to taking stock of the current situation, this guide focuses on understanding the interactions between economic operators, by asking key questions:
- What are the neighbourhood’s strengths and weaknesses?
- What role do businesses play in the local ecosystem? What are their plans within the neighbourhood? How do they interact with other local stakeholders?
- How can we enhance their impact and integration into the urban environment?
By identifying and mapping existing and potential interactions, this guide advances the development of relevant and integrated intervention and renovation programmes for public authorities responsible for land use planning.
More inclusive and sustainable urban renewal
Adding an economic dimension to the analysis of challenges in urban regeneration is likely to make economic and commercial activities a more integral part of neighbourhood improvement. In addition, in its capacity as the Brussels Agency for Entrepreneurship, hub.brussels offers ad-hoc support to businesses located in neighbourhoods experiencing a renewal phase, in order to better meet their needs and anticipate changes in their environment.
