Almere and Breda win Best City Centre Awards

By

Shomara Roosblad

Published
Nov 24, 2017

During the Best City Centre Awards, Almere and Breda were awarded with the title of 'Best City Centre 2017-2019'. Almere won the prize in the category for ‘medium-sized’ cities while Breda won in the ‘big city’ category.

In recent months, Almere has added a number of international brands to its store portfolio, including Hudson’s Bay, Pull & Bear, MAC cosmetics, Snipes and Saks Off Fifth. Almere also houses a Primark, Zara, Hema and H&M. Breda also extended its international offer in recent months. In September, Hudson’s Bay opened a branch in the city centre, as well as Danish retailer Søstrene Grene.

According to the jury, the city centre of Almere has developed into a vibrant shopping, tourist and residential environment, which it accomplished by launching intensive partnerships and initiatives such as the Almere customer card, which offers exclusive discounts and services. The way in which Almere handles the maintenance of public spaces and the quality of living environments also contributed to its win.

The jury praised Breda for its versatility and mobility. Another factor that led to the winning titlewere Breda’s initiatives in regard to technology, including a city centre app, QR codes throughout the city center and the digital tour of the city centre. With these digital services, the city center distinguishes itself from other Dutch cities in the field of technology.

Best City Centre Awards is an initiative by Platform Binnenstadmanagement (City Management Platform). Since 1995, the organization encourages and professionalizes the city centre cooperation between government, entrepreneurs and property owners as an independent organization. Platform Binnenstadmanagement aims to preserve and strengthen Dutch and Flemish city centers. Today, a total of 66 Dutch and Flemish cities and 15 patrons are affiliated with the platform. The Best City Centre Awards launched in 2003.