Mr. Rene Seijben, CEO of "AVANTIS" gave an interesting presentation of the project that proves with the best way the efficiency of cross-border cooperation. Here is an overview:
The purpose of AVANTIS is to give new technologies the space they need to develop and to make synergies between research, development and international management possible. The national border is no longer an obstacle – it’s an opportunity for innovative, modern enterprises from across Europe.
Companies that decide to locate at AVANTIS can concentrate on their core business. AVANTIS Services NV is responsible for managing the business park, offering every enterprise here a reliable partner for everyday facilities and services.
The AVANTIS European Science and Business Park is the only cross-border business park where the third supplementary protocol concluded between Germany and the Netherlands concerning double taxation applies. That means that by choosing your location, you yourself decide which tax system (German or Dutch) will apply to your business. The location of your headquarters determines the tax system to which your company is subject. For example, if you operate a production company that requires a great deal of space, you could set up operations in the larger plots of land on the German side of the border (GE 1). However, if your management board has its offices on the Dutch side, then the entire company will be subject to the Dutch tax system.
Depending on where you are located on Avantis, you will have access to both telecommunication networks. That means that all your calls to the Netherlands and Germany will be at national rates.
Here are a few examples of the extraordinary initiatives taking place in the business park: The Heerlen-Aachen World Trade Center (WTC), a global trade organisation set up to promote the international economy, is located at AVANTIS, as is the largest solar cell manufacturer in the Netherlands, Solland Solar Energy. Solland purchased a plot right on the border. The opening of E-Avantis in mid-May 2006 is an additional sign of the future significance of the New Energy theme in the business park.
Facts and Figures
Total area: 100 hectares, 60% on the German side and 40% on the Dutch side.
Percentage of site landscaped 30%
Site and architectural design: symbolising the key to Europe, designed by Aukett Associates, London
Connection to motorway network: Avantis has its own exits on the A4/A76 (E314) Cologne-Antwerp and the N281 Heerlen-Eindhoven
Buildings: in accordance with German and Dutch zoning plans
GE 1 plots: to maintain the smooth transition between the park and the open landscape beyond, buildings of up to two levels are possible along the eastern edge of the site. These plots are particularly suited for value-added-logistics or production facilities.
GE 2 plots: Buildings of up to five levels are possible at these high-profile locations along the motorway.
GE 3 plots: buildings of up to eight levels are possible in the “urban” heart of the park.
The Forum in the centre of the AVANTIS site is a unique location. A hotel has been planned here (potentially eight stories) that will include hospitality facilities, a bathing pool and a conference centre.
The quality appearance will be guaranteed by a supervisor, who will assess building plans on the basis of a quality plan and also ensure that the park makes a harmonious impression in the long term.
Plot sizes: 1000 – 60,000 square metres
Prices: from 90 euros per square metre
Park management: Avantis Services NV for 2,16 € per square metre gross floor space (2004 = 100), adjusted annually in keeping with the consumer price index for household consumption.
Responsibilities include:
Maintenance of landscaping
Road maintenance
Lighting and sign-posting along roads
Waste management
Site security
Other services*
(* where there is a demand at a later stage)
For more info visit http://www.avantis.org
By: N. Peter Kramer
