RDP project database
Renovation of Historic Building as a Visitor Centre to Promote Local Tourism
Summary
Renovation of a historic building to create a visitor centre to promote regional tourism activities & services in Scherpenheuvel, Flanders, inc. promotion of local produce, crafts, traditions & folklore, attracting more tourists & creating new jobs.
Background
The De Vlaspit Local Action Group (Leader) supports a number of regional initiatives, aimed at developing new employment and income opportunities for local people. As part of this strategy, a number of projects have been supported to contribute to the development of high quality & sustainable social-tourism facilities in the region, promoting local traditions and folklore. This specific project was designed as part of this overall strategy, aiming to provide a centre to promote tourism services.
Objective
The main objective was the renovation and refurbishment of a historic building in the centre of Scherpenheuvel that would provide a focal point to promote local tourist attractions, local produce, crafts and traditions. Other objectives included creation of new employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups; promotion of local and regional produce and dishes; marketing of tourism activities & services, including bicycle rental & guided tours.
Main activities
Activities included: (i) Renovation & refurbishment of a historic building to create the visitor centre/ retail store; (ii) Development & promotion of visits to a traditional candle-making workshop (iii) Selection, recruitment & training of disadvantaged individuals to support tourism support services; (iv) Identification & promotion of local & regional produce & dishes from Flemish Brabant; (v) Development of new tourism services including rental of bicycles & guided visits to the region.
Results & Benefits
It is anticipated that the project will (i) Increase visitor numbers and interest in the region; (ii) Create new opportunities for employment and income generation for local businesses (ii) Encourage the development of new tourist attractions and services; (iii) Increase interest in local fresh products and other products; (iv) Provide better coordination of tourist services and promotion of the Flemish Brabant region as a whole
Lessons learnt
Modest, well targeted investment in local community projects can have a significant and very positive multiplier effect on the local rural community, on jobs and incomes, and make a real contribution to the future sustainability of rural areas.
Project location and other information
vzw Vlaspit, Basilieklaan 53, 3270 Scherpenheuvel, Belgium
Region
Prov. Vlaams-Brabant
RDP Territory
Flanders
Total project cost (€)
277.250
EAFRD contribution (€)
180.000
Contact name
Herman Kennes
Languages for contact
English, Dutch
At a glance
Country
Belgium
Final beneficiary type
Public/local authorities, Local Action Group
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2007
End Date:
31/12/2009
Theme / Measure:
Implementing the LEADER Approach
Implementing local development strategies
413. Quality of life/diversification
Keywords:
Social inclusion, Leader, Tourism
Last update
23/02/2012