BOEi gives new meaning to already meaningful places
BOEi is a nonprofit organization that gives new meaning to already meaningful places. Established in 1995, BOEi has become a leading force in the repurposing of industrial, agricultural and religious sites, investing some € 250 million in more than 500 projects.
We bring the public and private sectors together in a creative and businesslike way, to achieve long-term social benefits. We share our fascination with these places by telling their stories, be they old factories, barracks, docks, churches, farms, warehouses, or hangars. Preserving their cultural and historical character is our first priority. But their accompanying narratives are just as important.
The Netherlands' architectural heritage enriches life in the city and the countryside, and is part of what makes the country unique. These buildings are the embodiment of our collective memory. By breathing new life into them and giving them a future, we can touch people's emotions and fulfil their deep-seated need for historical knowledge and identity. As wel as repurposing the buildings, it is crucial that we find new users who add social value and make each project financially viable.
We transform empty, decaying sites into new facilities that serve as a catalyst for local development. And make places more attractive, valuable, and sustainable. In this process we play a variety of roles: investor, developer, landlord, consultant. Some of the buildings have listed statues; not all are structures that the public and/or owner believes are worth preserving.
Cereol factory in Utrecht
Sustainability
We seek to play a leading role in sustainable repurposing. The iconic buildings that we restore often set an example in terms of sustainability. Because if they can be made sustainable, so can any other. Five considerations are central to everything we do: climate, energy, recycling, biodiversity, and social responsibility.
Total sustainability is about not just reducing a building's CO2 emissions or dependence on natural gas, but also protecting flora and fauna and doing business in a socially responsible manner. No two projects can be made sustainable in the same way.
Repurposing
The work we carry out should preferably have no adverse impact on the building's structure or cultural history. Despite the need for a tailored approach, projects must be standardised to an extent if they are to be practically and financially viable.
Repurposing is a solution with a visible and measurable effect. Vacant property costs money, new builds are expensive, and few new sites are available. All the buildings we will need over the coming decades already exist, and by giving them new life, we save raw materials and energy.
(Financial) structure of BOEi
BOEi was established at the initiative of the Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed), the Netherland's centre of expertise for heritage. We have approximately 90 employees, with a fulltime equivalent of 45, managing a portfolio of some 80 sites accumulated sinds 2002. We also carry out around 80 feasibility studies each year, and invest in the acquisition of some 20 sites.
We have twelve shareholders: AM Wonen, BPD Europe, Oranje Fonds, NEXT Real Estate (VORM), NH1816, Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten, Stichting Vrienden van BOEi, TBI, Vesteda, Dura Vermeer, Green Real Estate and Volker Wessels.
They do not receive dividends, and all profits are reinvested in the business. We also receive annual financial support from the VriendenLoterij, regional and local funds, and private individuals who invest in BOEi bonds.
Central market hall in Amsterdam
