We are Flexiforum

In the coming weeks, we will introduce you to some of Flexiforum's tenants. They will talk about their experiences with this striking building and how they are building a new community together. Responsible Alderman Tim Weijers and quartermaster Marc Hazen kick off. They explain how Flexiforum came about and what the ambitions are.

Kerkrade Municipality believes it is important to prevent or solve vacant buildings. Alderman Tim Weijers (Real Estate) sees this as an important task: "Empty buildings, that doesn't benefit anyone. The building that houses Flexiforum, formerly called Campus, had been vacant for a long time. Annoying for us as a municipality, but especially for the residents in the area around the building. As a municipality, we therefore worked hard to find a suitable use for it. And that was found. Personally, I found it important that the building would come back to life. That also ensures social safety in the neighborhood. Liveliness in the building ensures liveliness in the area. Flexiforum is ideally suited to building a strong community. The building offers a diversity of spaces, small and large. But how do you get them filled? That doesn't happen by itself! We found the right quartermaster and partner in Marc Hazen to make the desired filling of Flexiforum possible. I love how he and the various tenants in Flexiforum are forming a small community. A community that is increasingly coming out. Flexiforum is now buzzing, and we are proud of that. Kerkrade thus has a unique concept in which learning, working and relaxation are central. Flexiforum is literally and figuratively a building with music in it."

Marc Hazen grabbed the challenge with both hands. "I was immediately excited by the municipality's ideas and ambitions. Building a community within Flexiforum, that was my starting point. I specifically searched for the right combination of tenants, who together contribute to the vibrancy of that community. And I succeeded. I was able to bring together the most diverse organizations. More importantly, I was able to bring them into contact with each other and encourage mutual cooperation. The various tenants reinforce each other, thus really bringing the building to life and creating attraction to the surrounding area. Together with the Alderman , I am proud of what has been achieved: more than 90% is now rented to social organizations, government agencies, semi-commercial parties and commercial companies. The next step is to build out the community and give Flexiforum a more important role in the neighborhood. All kinds of activities will be set up in the coming period. Consider, for example, a sports competition for the tenants (Flexiforum Cup) or a special concert by Guido Dieteren for local residents. And I have another scoop: Flexiforum will have its own restaurant starting in February! Both tenants and local residents or people who work in the neighborhood can come to 'Root Foods' for a bite, a drink and a good conversation."