In conversation with Carlo Welten
Carlo Welten has been the Commercial Director of Flight Forum since June 2022. In this interview, we discuss the developments of Flight Forum and the opportunities for the future.
From vision to action
Over the past year, the Flight Forum team has made the transition from vision and strategy to execution. They are currently in discussions with developers, operators, property owners, and established companies about opportunities for new initiatives at Flight Forum and in Eindhoven Airport District. An important focus is creating a vibrant green environment and improving living conditions. Carlo Welten says, “One of the initiatives is to establish short-stay facilities at Flight Forum. We have worked with the municipality of Eindhoven to create the prerequisites for this function, so we can soon approach market parties to develop buildings. This is an important step towards a vibrant and active community on Flight Forum that provides a breeding ground for more public amenities.”
In addition to a vibrant environment, investment is also being made in a green environment, and the ground floors of buildings are being opened up for public functions such as a coffee bar, lunchroom, and to-go supermarket formula. The Holiday Inn hotel with a new work café and Wundermart on the ground floor is an excellent example of this.
Apart from a lively environment, more parking space is also an important part of the development of Flight Forum. “We have taken a relevant step forward with our plans for a new parking garage,” says Welten.
Opportunities
Welten emphasizes that there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs at Flight Forum and in the Eindhoven Airport District. There is plenty of room for new ideas and initiatives, even if they have not been conceived by Flight Forum itself. Welten says, “For example, we are in talks with market parties to establish a healthcare clinic, mobility concept, educational location, and office space with laboratories at Flight Forum.”
Welten also sees enormous opportunities for improving connections with surrounding areas such as Brainport Industries Campus, Meerhoven, Brainport Park, de Wielewaal, and the centre of Eindhoven. “By improving the infrastructure, the sub-areas are connected at a higher level, and the whole becomes even more attractive for a larger group,” says Welten.
As far as Welten is concerned, Flight Forum is open to all initiatives and ideas. “Whether you dream of running a trendy coffee bar, or gym, or have ambitions for a healthcare clinic, mobility concept, or short-stay at Flight Forum, we need entrepreneurs to realize all plans. So let’s join forces to seize all opportunities.”