NV Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Utrecht (OMU)

Utrecht Development Agency (OMU) is an independent specialized redevelopment corporation, founded by the regional government (province of Utrecht). Working together with owners, developers, local government and other parties, OMU actively promotes the adaptive reuse and redevelopment of industrial estates and office buildings in the Utrecht region. Brownfields (industrial plots and estates) as well as greyfields (office buildings and business parks) that no longer attract adequate investment or tenants, are returned to productive use. In this way, OMU aims to improve urban revitalization, sprawl reduction, economic development, sustainability and environmental protection. With the use of an investment fund, OMU functions as: - Adviser: OMU provides assistance and support for the planning, funding and construction of adaptive reuse and redevelopment projects. OMU encourages partnerships between the public and private sectors, and often acts as an intermediary between supply and demand of real estate. - Lender: whenever banks and other financial institutions refuse to provide loans due to high risk assessments or other restrictions, OMU is prepared to make funding available for private companies to borrow so that they can acquire, refurbish and/or redevelop sites and buildings. - Investor: in certain cases, OMU strategically acquires industrial and commercial properties itself, with the aim of adding value by making improvements or by rezoning for new purposes.