Dutch City Wired Up for Exploiting the Digital Revolution; Almere in Holland has Undertaken a Bold Plan to Attract Investment by Creating a Connected Community Linked by Fibre Optic Technology. Julia Fields Reports

Sunday Herald › November 02, 2004

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Summary

THREE years ago, the Dutch city of Almere appeared doomed to international anonymity. Situated just 45 kilometres from Amsterdam, the area had been relegated to commuter town status despite its phenomenal growth.

Thousands of young professionals and their families moved to the municipality, located on land reclaimed from the sea 40 years ago. The population stands at 175,000, with 5000 new residents a year, and is expected to hit 400,000 by 2030.

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Dutch City Wired Up for Exploiting the Digital Revolution; Almere in Holland has Undertaken a Bold Plan to Attract Investment by Creating a Connected Community Linked by Fibre Optic Technology. Julia Fields Reports

"The problem was, and still is, that economic development had fallen behind," explains alderman Douwe Halbesma. "We realised that the balance between housing and employment had to become more equal. We wanted to create 5000 jobs a year."

But as the world economy slipped in 2001, local officials in Almere realised they would h...

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