METREX the network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas
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METREX
the network of European
Metropolitan Regions and Areas
20 YEARS OF EXCHANGE
THE ADDED VALUE OF NETWORKING
20TH ANNIVERSARY 1996–2016
“Our aim as a network is
to become the first port
of call for all practical
questions of regional
development in Europe.”
Dr. Nicola Schelling
Regionaldirektorin
2
Verband Region Stuttgart
President of METREX
2014–Present
METREX
1996–2016
First published in 2006
as ‘Impressions’ now
updated for the 20th
Anniversary of the
network
METREX
125 West Regent Street
GLASGOW G2 2SA
secretariat@eurometrex.org
www.eurometrex.org
02_03
HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY
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FOREWORD
METREX has now been networking for 20
years and its biannual Conferences have been
the foundations on which its activities have
been built.
The Network is unique in meeting twice a
Exchange will
year, hosted by a Member. This support is continue to be at the
invaluable and is indicative of the goodwill heart of METREX
and mutual support that is fundamental to activities in the
future
the way METREX works. The Network seeks
to be professional, offer high value benefits
and provide a friendly forum for the exchange
of information, knowledge and experience.
This Anniversary booklet contains short
summaries of the 40 Conferences that
have been held since 1996. Some 300
presentations have been made and over the
last 10 years these have been published as
Conference Proceedings. They illustrate the
wide range of issues that are of interest to
Members and the depth of knowledge and
experience that has been exchanged.
Exchange will continue to be at the heart
of METREX activities in the future. With
Members and Observers from some 50 of May the next 20 years be as productive and valuable!
the major metropolitan regions and areas of
Europe, METREX offers access to a unique
body of insight into metropolitan affairs.
04_05
HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY
Gerald McGrath was instrumental in
founding METREX. He was its first
President and later its lifetime Honorary
President. It is remarkable that METREX
has continued to flourish during all the ups
and downs in Europe over the last 20 years.
This was largely due to the leadership that
Gerald brought to the Network in its early
stages. He set the standards and led by
example in generating the goodwill and
professional cooperation on which METREX
is based. He was held in the highest
regard by his many European friends and
colleagues. Bernd Steinacher referred to
him, fondly, as “The Great Scotsman”.
To many in METREX this is exactly what
he was. And a great European.
Gerald McGrath 1927–2013
Gerald McGrath was instrumental Dr. Gerald McGrath
in founding METREX, he was a man Chair of the International Committee
interested in people and a strong Strathclyde Regional Council
believer in the exchange of ideas
expanding horizons. President of METREX
1996–2000
Honorary President
2000_2013
IMPRESSIONS 20 YEARS OF EXCHANGE
METREX produced Impressions as a METREX was conceived, promoted and
commemorative publication in 2006 to mark established by Strathclyde Regional Council,
the 10th Anniversary of METREX. in Scotland, in the last days before it was
Impressions can be downloaded from the disbanded in 1996 after 20 years of productive
METREX website. life. Roger Read put the idea of Metropolitan
Exchange to Dr. Gerald McGrath, then Chair
This present publication extends and updates of the International Affairs Committee, the
Impressions to reflect the activities of the start up funding of £100,000 was secured and
Network over the period from 2007 to 2016. the founding Conference arranged in Glasgow
in Spring 1996.
From a founding membership of 15 authorities
METREX has now grown to some 50 authorities
representing over 50 individual metropolitan
regions and areas from 22 countries.
Knowledge, understanding and insight
Remarkably, and due to the power of the
idea of Metropolitan Exchange and the
commitment with which it has been sustained
by numerous colleagues over the last 20
years, METREX has now held some 40
biannual Conferences.
There have been over 500 presentations to
provide knowledge and understanding to
Members on metropolitan affairs and key
issues and insight into the planning position in
most of Europe’s major metropolitan regions
and areas.
NB. All METREX publications / proceedings / and
presentations are available on the METREX website
www.eurometrex.org
06_07
THE ADDED VALUE OF METROPOLITAN DIMENSION
NETWORKING
Since the METREX website was set up over There are 227* recognised metropolitan
10 years ago, Conference presentations have regions and areas in the wider Europe of the
been made available for downloading. Over European Union of 28 Member States plus
300 presentations are now available on our Switzerland and Norway (EU+2).
website (see page 59).
These are the metropolitan regions and areas
Since the second Glasgow Conference in with populations of half a million or more,
2013, Conference Proceedings, integrating and they contain 290m of the 500m+ in the
transcribed presentations and Powerpoints, EU+2.
have been published on the website in full.
This is a measure of the importance of
There are no other European Networks that METROPOLITAN competitiveness and wellbeing
have held comparable biannual Conferences to the prosperity and cohesion of Europe.
over such an extended period of time or
made available such an extensive archive of If anything, the value and importance of a
informative presentations. METROPOLITAN Dimension to European
affairs has grown over the years.
This illustrates the added VALUE of
NETWORKING It remains true that there is a range of key
issues that can only be addressed effectively at
These core Conference activities have been the level of Europe’s METROPOLITAN areas and
complemented by a limited number of major their areas of influence, or regions.
funded Projects, the work of numerous
Expert Groups and by networking based METREX has published a Position Statement
on the many personal friendships and to substantiate this view and it was presented
organisational relationships that have grown to the Brussels Conference in 2014.
and flourished over the years.
* Urban Audit and Eurostat Larger Urban Zones – LUZ
This is the SOCIAL CAPITAL of the Network that
has sustained and enriched its development.
what is a NETWORK?
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NETWORK…an interconnected group or system
A NETWORK is described by nodes Dr. Bernd Steinacher
and connections. Regionaldirektor
It only is as strong as the nodes and Verband Region Stuttgart
the interaction between them. President of METREX
In this sense, METREX as the Network 2004–2007
of European Metropolitan Regions
and Areas is a strong network.
08_09
METREX
METREX is the Network of European The METREX website at www.eurometrex.org
Metropolitan Regions and Areas. It is a provides the portal through which Network
network of practitioners, that is, politicians, Members and colleagues with an interest in
officials and their advisers, concerned with metropolitan affairs can access information
strategic planning and development at the on the Network and its activities.
metropolitan level. It is essentially a network
through which key European metropolitan “More than two thirds of OECD metropolitan
decision makers can share their knowledge, areas have established a governance body in
experience and expertise. charge of organising responsibilities among
public authorities for metropolitan-wide
METREX was founded in 1996 at the development. Most of these bodies have been
Metropolitan Regions Conference in created in the past 20 years”.
Glasgow, with the support of the European
Governing the City
Commission, to provide a means of promoting
OECD, Paris 2015
effective metropolitan governance to manage
change at the metropolitan level, and
contribute a metropolitan dimension to key
European issues, such as competitiveness,
cohesion and sustainability.
From a founding membership of 15
authorities METREX has now grown to some
50 authorities representing over 50 individual
metropolitan regions and areas from 22
countries. In order to promote and foster
networking, METREX holds Conferences twice
a year, in the spring and autumn, and holds a
General Assembly every two years.
METREX meetings
and Conferences
are at the heart
of networking
NETWORK…an interconnected group or system
The founding
Conference
Glasgow 1996
10_11
THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION
At the METREX Madrid International Moscow
Congress in May 2006, held as part of the
METREX 10th Anniversary programme, it The Institute for the Master Plan of Moscow has
became apparent that it would be appropriate since become a Member of METREX.
to develop an international dimension to the
activities of the Network. Shanghai
The membership is now almost fully In November 2007 METREX arranged a
representative of all the varied social, Study Visit to Shanghai, in partnership
economic, physical and environmental with the Shanghai Urban Planning Bureau
circumstances of European metropolitan (SUPB), on the theme of Globalisation,
regions and areas. The Madrid International Urban Development and Sustainability.
Congress demonstrated that this body of The delegation was led by the President of
experience, knowledge and expertise is of METREX and included 16 delegates from
interest to international colleagues, and that 7 European metropolitan regions and areas.
there is value to be gained for METREX from
selective and relevant international contacts Vincent Goodstadt, of the METREX
and exchanges. Secretariat, produced a full, downloadable,
Report on the Study Visit. The Study Visit
In July 2006 METREX was invited by the identified a number of common issues being
Government of Moscow to bring a delegation faced in Europe and in China, which provide a
to Moscow metropolitan region and area for fruitful basis for continuing exchange.
a bilateral International Seminar on Moscow
and European Megapolises – Experience The SUPB has since become an
of Planning for Sustainable Development. Observer in METREX.
The International Seminar was significant
because it was the first such exchange
between Moscow and other European
metropolitan spatial planners. A Protocol of
Intent has been agreed between the Institute
for the Master Plan of Moscow and METREX
to promote and guide future cooperation.Santiago, Chile Istanbul
In October 2009 METREX arranged an In February 2012 METREX arranged a Study
International Congress to Santiago, Chile, in Visit to Istanbul, in association with the
partnership with the Planning Department, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The Visit
Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning also included the normal Meeting of the
and the Directorate of Urban Development METREX Managing Committee.
of the Metropolitan Regional Government
of Santiago. The Congress was held within The Study Visit was held in the Tarik Zafer
the context of the Vision for National Tunaya Cultural Centre. It included very
Development 2020. complete and informative presentations on
all aspects of planning in Istanbul, including
The delegation was led by the President of the Transportation Vision, Environmental
METREX and included delegates from Management, Water Management and
7 European metropolitan regions and areas. Conservation Studies.
A full downloadable Report on the Congress
was prepared by Markus Egermann,
Researcher at the Leibniz Institute of
Ecological and Regional Development,
Germany, for METREX.
Northern Virginia
METREX has also developed a working
relationship with the Northern Virginia
Regional Commission (NVRC), through
former President Berd Steinacher.
The NVRC has since become an
Observer in METREX.12_13
THE EUROPEAN DIMENSION
The European Spatial Development
Perspective (ESDP) 1999
One of the founding objectives of the With the expansion of the EU to 28 Member
European Union was social cohesion, States, Territorial Cohesion has become an
meaning the reduction of social and EU objective.
economic disparities between Member
States. Regional Policy has been METREX made a metropolitan contribution to
implemented with this objective in mind. the social, economic and territorial cohesion
The Lisbon Strategy, formulated in 2000, of the wider Europe through the InterMETREX
aimed to make the EU the most dynamic and PolyMETREXplus projects.
knowledge-based economy in the world,
capable of sustainable economic growth It has continued this commitment through
with more and better jobs, greater the Urban Rural relationships in Metropolitan
social cohesion and respect for the Areas – URMA project and the Territorial
environment. Cohesion – TERRACOTTA project.
The European Spatial Development
Perspective (ESDP), published in 1999,
provides a context for METREX activities and
initiatives. It is concerned that, to remain
competitive in a global economy, Europe
needs to achieve a better urban balance.
It foresaw the need for polycentric groupings
of metropolitan regions and areas beyond the
core London/Paris/ Rhine/Ruhr economic area.
The European Observation Network for
Territorial Development and Cohesion,
ESPON, has produced a Territorial Vision
for Europe to 2050 – ET 2050. METREX has
responded to the Vision through the ongoing
Territorial Cohesion – TERRACOTTA project,
which updates and develops the Framework
that was an outcome of PolyMETREXplus
(see page 19). TERRACOTTA provides a
metropolitan interpretation of ET 2050.EXCHANGE
NETWORK
EXCHANGE…to…an interconnected
give and group
receive information and or system
ideas
Mercedes Bresso introduced Prof.ssa Mercedes Bresso
a European Dimension Presidente of the
to METREX affairs, enhancing the Provincia di Torino
network’s ability for exchange.
President of METREX
2000–200414_15
THE METROPOLITAN DIMENSION
Key metropolitan issues Metropolitan governance Integrated Metropolitan
strategies
Many of the key issues that The concept of subsidiarity
affect the competitiveness, means that metropolitan A sustainable approach
cohesion and sustainability of areas are now the level to European metropolitan
European urban life can only at which many wider strategies will involve
be addressed effectively at European urban objectives compact urban forms
the metropolitan level. can be realised most and mixed use, public
effectively. Without effective transport orientated
These include – metropolitan governance the development, focused on
Balancing populations of metropolitan city and town centres. A
urban redevelopment areas are unable to influence polycentric approach of this
with urban expansion many of the key issues kind within metropolitan
affecting their future and its areas will require effective
Integrating sustainability. metropolitan governance.
land use, transportation
and infrastructure
Metropolitan visions A sustainable approach to
Sustaining improving the quality of
the vitality and viability Metropolitan regions and urban life also requires an
of city and town centres areas need to have a clear integrated social, economic,
view of their future and what environmental and spatial
Enabling
they want to become, in strategy at the metropolitan
economic competitiveness
order to unite and inspire all level.
Promoting stakeholders and citizens
social inclusion in the realisation of this. “Better integrating the
Such a Vision is essentially governance of transport
Assessing
about the unrealised and and the governance of
the environmental impact
unimagined potential of the spatial planning – which are,
of development
wider metropolitan area. It respectively, the main fields
Safeguarding is about realising immediate of work for 70% and 60% of
natural and urban heritage possibilities but also about OECD metropolitan governance
resources longer-term transformations. bodies – would contribute
Responding Urban Europe is clearly significantly to higher growth
to the key issue of urban changing fast, and the task and well-being”.
generated greenhouse for the future is to unite and
Governing the City
gas emissions and direct the forces for change OECD, Paris 2015
climate change. to achieve a transformation
that is inspirational.KEY ISSUES
EUROPEAN URBAN LIFE…addressed effectively at the metropolitan level
“The guiding principle of this paper is that the organization And they will have to be visionary because the participation
of space is inseparable from the quest for sustainable and support of people and actors committed to an equitable
development”. and just future for all will need a bold and inspiring blueprint
“This paper argues that this goal… can only be reached by of how the city will be structured and organised”.
vigorous and visionary “urban spatial strategies”. They will
have to be vigorous because the forces at play are powerful Habitat III – Policy Paper 6 – Urban Spatial Strategies – UN 2016
and interested in maintaining the status quo.16_17
THE PORTO CONVOCATION
METREX promoted the The Porto Declaration
Porto Convocation in 1999,
on the initiative of the Área
Having regard to all the considerations set out in
Metropolitana do Porto
and with the support of the
the Metropolitan Magna Carta, the undersigned
European Commission. representative of Europe’s metropolitan regions
and areas, attending the Convocation in Porto in
It resulted in 40 signatories November 1999 supports the common intention
to the Porto Metropolitan to –
Magna Carta and its related
Practice Benchmark, thereby • pursue the aim of effective spatial planning and
providing a foundation for development at the metropolitan level in Europe,
METREX activities and by promoting the necessary competence,
initiatives over the last two capability and process
decades.
having regard to the aims and objectives of the European
Spatial Development Perspective, its related transnational
They continue to reflect the
Spatial Visions
core values of the Network.
the urban policy set out in the European Commission’s
‘Sustainable urban development in the European Union:
a framework for action’
• cooperate in the exchange of spatial planning and
development knowledge, understanding and
experience, including the establishment and
adoption of good practice
• contribute the metropolitan dimension to spatial
planning and development at the European level
• continue to associate through the METREX Network
in order to achieve these common purposes.PROCESS of change
3
1 2
PROCESS…series of actions that produce a change or development
Hannu Penttilä reformed the Hannu Penttilä
Managing Committee to an Deputy Mayor
elected body with a President, Helsinki City Council
2 Vice Presidents and
7 Members. President of METREX
2008–201218_19
INTERMETREX
METREX developed the Porto Practice Benchmark additions
Benchmark through a pilot project under the
INTERREG IIC programme of the European The EUCO2 80/50 Project (see later)
Commission. included detailed consideration of Climate
change/Urban change, and how European
The purpose of the InterMETREXplus project, metropolitan regions and areas can make
under the INTERREG IIIC programme, was to major reductions in their emissions of
apply and develop the Practice Benchmark greenhouse gases and become carbon light.
across the wider Europe. It was led by
Glasgow and the Clyde Valley and ran from The Urban Rural partnerships in Metropolitan
2003–2006 with 32 metropolitan partners and Areas (URMA) Project began as a METREX
a budget of €1.16m. Expert Group and developed into an
INTERREG IVC project led by HafenCity
It now contains 28* Benchmarks of University, Hamburg. This had 9 partners
effective metropolitan spatial planning and from 5 Member States and a budget of €1.7m.
development practice covering all aspects of The overall objective of the URMA Project was
competence, capability and process. to promote urban-rural partnerships as a tool
to strengthen the potential for innovation in
Its purpose is to assist the function of spatial European metropolitan areas.
planning and development to become as
effective as possible within metropolitan areas. * EUCO2 80/50 and URMA Project both resulted
in Benchmark additions.
METREX has also developed planning tools
for housing and retailing. Planning for
Housing in Metropolitan Areas – PHIMA
and Planning for Retailing in Metropolitan
Areas – PRIMA.POLYMETREXPLUS
The purpose of the PolyMETREXplus project, EUCO2 80/50
also under the INTERREG IIIC programme,
was to respond the challenge in the ESDP The EUCO2 project was conceived at the
to develop a better urban balance across METREX Granada Autumn Meeting in 2005,
Europe through the promotion of polycentric where the Network was first introduced to the
relationships, including social, economic, issue of climate change.
transportation and environmental linkages.
It was led by the Generalitat de Catalunya Subsequently, the EUCO2 80/50 project was
and ran from 2004–2007 with 19 metropolitan promoted to explore metropolitan options
partners and a budget of €1.84m. for greenhouse gas mitigation, within the
framework of an EU mitigation target of
The project led to the production of a 80%. It was funded by General Electric (GE)
Framework for a Polycentric Metropolitan with support of €250,000 and included 15
Europe, a Vision and related Action Plan, a METREX Members, led by the Metropolregion
programme of representative interregional Hamburg. It used the Greenhouse Gas
networking activities (RINA’s) and a Regional Inventory Protocol (GRIP), devised
Polycentric Practice Benchmark. and applied through the project by
Dr. Sebastian Carney, of Manchester
The Framework is summarised in the University. The Report of the project can be
METREX publication This is not a Plan. downloaded from the METREX website.
ENHANCE
Subsequently, and in response to revised EU
targets of an 80-95% reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions by 2050 (up from earlier targets
of 60% and 80%, hence EUCO2 80/50), METREX
developed the ENHANCE tool to enable
metropolitan areas to devise effective routes to
decarbonisation.
ENHANCE can be seen at –
www.enhance-project.eu20_21
SOCIOMETREX
The SocioMETREX Project was conceived by
the two Organisations for the Master Plan
and Environmental Protection of Athens and
Thessaloniki. The intention was to provide
an input into the METREX 2002 biennial
Conference in Thessaloniki on the theme of
The Social Face of Sustainability, and also
to investigate and consider the issue as a
METREX Expert Group.
The project was carried out by a partnership
of 12 European metropolitan regions and
areas.
The objective was to bring together
practitioners in metropolitan spatial planning
and development in a series of workshops
to identify, through case study experience,
the specific ways in which the strategic
planning process can contribute to social
sustainability and integrated social, economic
and environmental sustainability.
The project resulted in additions to
the METREX Practice Benchmark (see
InterMETREX), including a 20 point
Sustainability Checklist, to assist the process
of spatial planning and development to
achieve greater social sustainability and to
foster the transfer and application of good
practice.POLYCENTRICITY
POLYCENTRICITY…having more than one centre
We need to recognise that the urban Alberto Leboeiro Amaro
reality of Europe is metropolitan. Subdirector General
Europe’s metropolitan regions and de Planificación Regional
areas and their good governance are Comunidad de Madrid
crucial to the future wellbeing and
prosperity of Europe. President of METREX
2012–201422_23
METREX EXPERT GROUPS
Sustainability and the metropolitan planning Intra-Metropolitan Polycentricity
process led by Stockholm County Council
led by the Organisation of Athens
Urban/Rural relationships in Metropolitan
Planning for economic change at the Areas: URMA
Metropolitan level led by the Metropolregion Hamburg
led by the City of Rotterdam
Affordable Housing
Integrated land-use planning and led by the METREX Secretariat
transportation
led by Stockholm County Council InfraMETREX – Planning for Infrastructure
in Metropolitan Areas
Planning for Major Events led by the Joint Spatial Planning Department
led by the Provincia di Torino of Berlin-Brandenburg
Major Urban Restructuring EconoMETREX – Employment Location
led by the City of Rotterdam in association within Metropolitan Areas
with Rotterdam Stadshaven led by IAU-Idf
Urban Re-qualification Large scale retail development
led by the Regione Emilia-Romagna led by the Verband Region Stuttgart
Strategic Planning for Retailing Futures
led by the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley led by the METREX Secretariat
Structure Plan Joint Committee
TERRACOTTA – Baltic Space
Agriculture in the Hinterlands of led by Helsinki.
Metropolitan Areas
led by the Verband Region Stuttgart
Metropolitan Governance
led by the President of METREX 2000–2004
now led by Emilia Romagna and LombardiaMETREX 1996 2006
24_25 BEING THERE / 1996–2006
METREX MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES
1996 Founding Glasgow Metropolitan Regions Conference
Brussels Inauguration Meeting
Nice Autumn Meeting
1997 Lisbon Spring Meeting
Krakow Autumn Meeting
1998 Nice Spring Conference
Zaragoza Autumn Meeting
1999 Bologna Spring Meeting
Helsinki Autumn Meeting
Middle East Urban Development Congress – Dubai
The Porto Convocation
2000 Torino Spring Conference
Sevilla Autumn Meeting
2001 Rotterdam Spring Meeting
Copenhagen Autumn Meeting
2002 Thessaloniki Spring Conference
Genova Autumn Meeting
2003 Stuttgart Spring meeting
Stockholm Autumn Meeting
2004 San Sebastian/Bayonne (Eurocity Basque) Spring Meeting
Barcelona Autumn Conference
2005 Nürnberg Spring Meeting
Granada Autumn Meeting
2006 Madrid International Congress
Moscow International Seminar
Szczecin 10th Anniversary Conference26_27
Founding Glasgow Inaugural Brussels Meeting
Metropolitan Regions of the Interim Managing
Conference Committee (IMC)
10–13 April 1996 at the Hilton The Rapporteur General, 12 June 1996 hosted by
Hotel, Glasgow. The event Vincent Goodstadt, METREX at the offices of
was sponsored by Strathclyde identified a number of key Scotland Europa.
Regional Council, with issues emerging from the
co-funding from the Conference, including the The inaugural Brussels
European Commission definition and governance Meeting of the IMC was
(DGXVI) and support from of metropolitan areas, their essentially concerned
City of Glasgow Council economic competitiveness, with the administrative
and Glasgow Development social cohesion and foundation of the Network.
Agency. sustainability, mobility and The Founding Members
accessibility, urban sprawl, agreed the Constitution,
The 4 Conference themes quality of life and the budget, appointment of
were – relationship between the Secretariat and the
European and metropolitan initial METREX Programme
• Integrated strategies for spatial planning policy. These of events and activities
sustainable development have proved to be enduring to1998. The first Convener
issues. (President), Dr. Gerald
• Integrated metropolitan McGrath, was elected to serve
land use and Some 230 delegates from until the 1998 METREX Nice
transportation strategies across the wider Europe of Conference. The aim of 30–35
the then European Union METREX Members within two
• Strategies for urban and its neighbours attended years was established.
growth, renewal and the Conference. A METREX
regeneration Founders Dinner was held on
12 April, attended by some 70
• Strategies for Conference delegates, and an
environmental renewal. Interim Managing Committee
was formed to progress the
founding of the Network.
1996–97Initial Nice Meeting of the Second Nice Meeting of Lisbon Spring Meeting
METREX Technical Group the Interim Managing
(TG) Committee (IMC)
17 October 1996 hosted by 18 October 1996 hosted 17–18 April 1997 hosted by
the Conseil Général des by the Conseil Général de the Junta Metropolitana de
Alpes-Maritimes. Alpes-Maritimes. Lisboa at the Belem Cultural
Centre.
The Technical Group Purpose – to agree a
developed the form and common approach and The European Spatial Planning
content of the three initial process. Perspective (ESDP) was
METREX Working Groups – about to be published, and
The Nice Meeting of the Meeting initiated METREX
• Sustainability and the the IMC was essentially involvement with European
Metropolitan planning concerned with clarifying affairs.
process, led by the and establishing the METREX
Organisation of Athens programme of networking There were presentations
events and activities in on the strategic planning
• Planning for economic the period up to the Nice of Lisboa and Berlin. The
change at the Conference in 1998. first METREX open dialogue
Metropolitan level, led was held on Restructuring
by Rotterdam A study visit to the technopol Metropolitan Areas for the
Sophia Antipolis initiated 21st century.
• Integrated land use and METREX interest in planning
transportation planning, for economic change. A study visit to the site of the
led by Stockholm. World Expo 98 (to be held
The METREX Atlas and from May to October 1998)
The Chairs of the three initial Directory, later to become initiated the METREX interest
METREX Working Groups met the e-Atlas under the in planning for major events.
in Rotterdam in December InterMETREX project,
1996 to agree a common was also begun under the The Expo covered 600ha and
approach and process. leadership of Rotterdam. was the largest construction
site in Europe at the time.
Long-term facilities included
a multi-modal transport
interchange, an Oceanarium,
a multi-purpose event
venue, an Exhibition Centre
and a Museum. The Expo
organisation remained in
being until 2005 to ensure the
after-use of the site.28_29
Krakow Autumn Meeting Nice Spring Conference
25–26 September 1997 26–28 March 1998, hosted At the General Assembly of
hosted by and held at the by the Conseil Général des the Network the process of
Urzad Miasta Krakówa. Alpes-Maritimes and held becoming registered with the
in the Salon des Muses, Belgian Government as an
Krakow was a former capital Acropolis Palais des Congrès. Association Internationale
of Poland and the city retains Sans But Lucratif (AISBL) was
a rich cultural heritage. The The Nice Conference was initiated. Dr. Gerald McGrath
Meeting included a study on the theme of Spatial was elected as President
visit to Nowa Huta, a huge planning and development in for a second term, and
industrial legacy from the Europe and its implications colleagues Roger Duhalde,
times of the Soviet Union for metropolitan regions, and José Luis Pereira and Klito
based around the Sendzimira was attended by some 140 Gerardi accepted the roles of
steelworks. delegates. There were over Honorary Vice Presidents.
40 speakers in the 7 Plenary
The study visit continued and 9 Workshop sessions. The membership of METREX
the METREX interest in then comprised the 17
Planning for economic change, The Conference adopted a 10 metropolitan regions and
with a particular focus on point Resolution covering – areas of Alpes-Maritimes,
regeneration. European, national and Athens, Emilia-Romagna,
metropolitan spatial Genova, Glasgow and the
The second METREX planning, Administration, Clyde Valley, Helsinki,
open dialogue was held to Sustainability, Metropolitan Krakow, Lazio, Lisboa,
brainstorm options to the roles and visions, Common Lombardia, München,
future of Nowa Huta and, issues, Networking, Riga, Rotterdam, Sevilla,
subsequently, a Case Study Cohesion, European Stockholm, Thessaloniki,
report was presented to the recognition, European Torino and Zaragoza.
Urzad Miasta Krakówa. support and Action.
There were METREX Working
Group presentations
by Athens, Rotterdam,
Stockholm, Regione Lazio,
the Provincia di Torino and
Regione Lombardia.
1997–98Brussels Meeting of the Zaragoza Autumn Meeting
Managing Committee
25–26 June 1998, hosted 22–24 October 1998, hosted The Meeting also considered
by METREX and held in the by and held in the offices of the inter-modal logistical
offices of Scotland Europa, the Diputación Provincial de opportunities in Zaragoza,
Brussels. Zaragoza. having regard to the high-
speed rail connections in
The meeting reviewed the first The Zaragoza Meeting prospect and planned.
two years of METREX and set welcomed the proposal by
directions in response to the colleagues from the Junta
Nice Conference Resolution. Metropolitana do Porto to
hold a Convocation in Porto
12 issues of common interest to recognise and obtain
were considered and 3 were commitment to the objective of
selected for Expert (Working) European metropolitan spatial
Group consideration, planning and development
including Sustainability and competence, capability and
the metropolitan spatial process.
planning process, Planning
for emerging markets for At the Zaragoza Meeting
economic development and the Network decided to
Land-use and transportation undertake Commissions, on
planning. subjects chosen by the hosts
of forthcoming Meetings, the
findings and conclusions of
which would then provide a
basis for discussion.
The Meeting included a study
visit to the Opel car factory
and a presentation on the
just-in-time supplier network
that has been developed in
the wider Aragon region.30_31
Bologna Spring Meeting Helsinki Autumn Meeting
25–27 March 1999, hosted by This continued METREX 09–11 September 1999,
the Regione Emilia-Romagna interest in Planning for major hosted by the City of Helsinki
in the offices of the Regione. events and their legacy for and supported by Uusimaa
metropolitan areas. Regional Council and YTV
The Meeting included a Helsinki Metropolitan Area
presentation on the Regional Arrangements were Council.
Development Plan (RDP] made for the two Helsinki
on the theme of The Region Commissions on Metropolitan The Meeting initiated the
going global. Assessore Governance and Port and process of applying for EU
Renato Cocchi concluded by Airport Development and support for the InterMETREX
emphasising the importance Integrated Transportation project under the INTERREG
of the concept of subsidiarity, Strategies. IIC programme –
the need for cooperation at to pilot the application and
all levels, the importance development of the METREX
of social solidarity and Practice Benchmark,
equity, the need for which was developed
environmental protection and from the initial Porto
quality and for action that is Practice Benchmark. The
feasible and effective. EconoMETREX project, which
had been pursued under the
The Bologna Meeting Ecos-Ouverture programme,
was attended by over 160 was also considered as an
Members and guests. It INTERREG IIC project.
considered the outcome of
Commissions on Polycentric The Meeting elected Prof.ssa
Metropolitan Strategies and Mercedes Bresso, Presidente
Urban Heritage Strategies. of the Provincia di Torino, as
A presentation was made METREX President, following
by Athens on the planning the demitting of office of
for the Athens 2004 Olympic Dr. Gerald McGrath from
Games. Glasgow City Council, who
became Honorary President.
19991st Middle East Urban
Development Congress –
Dubai
27–29 September 1999, The METREX contribution
hosted by the Arab Urban balanced the Middle East
Development Institute. agenda with a Keynote
Address on Transnational
METREX was invited by the Spatial Planning and
Arab Urban Development Development in Europe –
Institute to provide a illustrated by case studies
European comparison from London, East Midlands,
component to the 1st Middle Stockholm, Porto and Athens.
East Urban Development Based on the presentations,
Congress. Keynote Addresses the Congress discussed its
on the Middle East Spatial themes of Governance and
Planning Perspective; Administration Systems
Tradition, Continuity and for Strategic Planning;
Change in the Arab-Muslim National, Regional and
City; and Urban Development Local Relationships, Private/
in Saudi Arabia were Public Sector Partnerships;
illustrated by case studies on Urban Land-Use Planning;
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman and and Sustainable Economic
Riyadh. Development.32_33
The Porto Convocation
Porto Metropolitan
Magna Carta
Forty representatives of • Contribute a metropolitan
Europe’s metropolitan dimension to spatial
regions and areas attended planning and development
the Convocation and at the European level
recognised the need for
a spatial planning and • Continue to associate
development capability at through the METREX
the metropolitan level. Network in order to
achieve these common
They supported a Declaration purposes.
of Intent to –
The Porto Declaration was
• Pursue the aim of supported by a Practice
effective spatial planning Benchmark identifying 4
and development at the Benchmarks and 13 Indicators
metropolitan level in of effective spatial planning
Europe by promoting the and development practice.
necessary competence,
capability and process The Magna Carta has
provided the foundation on
• Co-operate in the which METREX has based its
exchange of spatial activities over the past
planning and development 10 years.
knowledge, understanding
and experience, including
the establishment and
adoption of good practice
1999–2000Torino Spring Conference
11–14 May 2000, hosted by • An Elbe-Danube Corridor
the Provincia di Torino and running south west from
held in the Torino Conference Berlin to Budapest
Centre and the Palazzo
Cisterna. • A Northern Isles area
covering the UK and
Theme – Quality of Ireland
Metropolitan Regions in the
new Millennium. • The Baltic Palette
covering the metropolitan
The PolyMETREX project areas of the Baltic sea
concept, comprising 7 broad
inter-regional balancing • The Archimed area
zones, was established from a covering the metropolitan
suggestion by our President areas of the southern
Prof.ssa Mercedes Bresso. Adriatic, Ionian,
Tyrrhenian and Aegean
• A Northern Parallel seas.
running from London
and Paris to Berlin and The membership of METREX
including the Rhine-Ruhr had risen to 27 metropolitan
area regions and areas at the time
of the Torino Conference.
• A Rhine corridor running
south west from the
Randstad to Zurich and
München
• A Southern Parallel
stretching from Lisbon
through Barcelona,
Marseille and Milano
to Budapest34_35
Sevilla Autumn Meeting Rotterdam Spring Meeting
25–28 October 2000, hosted 09–12 May 2001, hosted by The SocioMETREX project
by the Ayuntamiento de the City of Rotterdam and dealt with the 4 key issues
Sevilla and held in the held in the City of Rotterdam of –
Convento Nuestra, Sevilla. Museum and the Tulip Hotel.
• Urban migration and
Themes included – Inner Themes included – Urban social sustainability,
historic areas, access and renewal (social, economic including issues of
transportation; and the and environmental aspects); housing need and
Implications of holding World the Delta Metropolis provision and community
or European events such as (Amsterdam, den Haag, development
World Fairs, the Olympics, Rotterdam, Utrecht); and
European Games or Fairs Harbour development. • Urban deprivation,
(Sevilla, Lisbon, Barcelona, including issues of urban
Athens, München, Hannover The Expert Group on renewal and regeneration
etc). Planning for Major Events, priorities and action
which met in March 2001
The process of gaining after the Hannover World • Economic inclusion,
recognition by the Belgian Expo, reported after its visit including issues of
Government as an Association to the Hannover World Expo education, skills and
Sans But Lucratif was in 2001. economic development
completed on 16 August 2000,
and was reported to The SocioMETREX project, • Inclusive accessibility,
the Sevilla Meeting. on the Social face of including issues of urban
sustainability, was initiated form and public transport.
The Expert Group on to provide the foundation for
Planning for Major Events the forthcoming METREX The Rotterdam Meeting
was set up in response to Thessaloniki 2002 celebrated the first five
representations for support Conference. years of METREX, and the
from Wroclaw for a World City of Rotterdam prepared
Expo 2010 bid. The Meeting an Abstracts and Reports
looked in detail at the legacy document containing all
of the Sevilla World Expo. presentations. The METREX
membership reached 34, and
had doubled within the first
2000–2001
five years.Copenhagen Autumn
Meeting
04–06 October 2001, hosted A second meeting of the
by the Øresund Committee Expert Group on Planning
and held in the Royal School for Major Events considered
of Architecture. the preparations for the
Zaragoza International Expo
The InterMETREX pilot project bid for 2008 and the Athens
reached its conclusion – 2004 Summer Olympics and
and introduced the concept also the Torino 2006 Winter
of ladders of effectiveness, Olympics.
comprising a range of steps
leading from minimum to Helsinki City Council took
best practice in metropolitan up the function of METREX
spatial planning and Treasurer.
development, under the
headings of Competence,
Capability and Process.
The Prospectus for the
InterMETREX and PolyMETREX
projects under INTERREG IIIC
was considered.
The InterMETREX project
is essentially about making
spatial planning and
development practice within
metropolitan regions and
areas as effective as possible,
whereas PolyMETREX
is concerned with the
development of beneficial
relationships between the
metropolitan areas
of Europe.36_37
Schiphol Meeting for Thessaloniki Spring
prospective METREX Conference INTERREG IIIC
INTERREG IIIC partners partners
15 March 2002, hosted by 16–20 May 2002, hosted The Conference took note
METREX at the Sheraton by the Organisation for of the UK sustainable
Hotel at Schiphol Airport, the Masterplan and development indicators –
Amsterdam. Environmental Protection of
Thessaloniki and held in the • Maintaining high and
InterMETREX and Thessaloniki Port Authority stable levels of
PolyMETREX projects SA Conference Centre. economic growth and
publicised and promoted development
at a meeting of prospective Theme – the Social face of
METREX INTERREG IIIC sustainability. • Social progress, which
project partners to recognises the needs of
establish the feasibility Professor Anne Power, CBE, everyone
of the projects. Professor of Social Policy
at the London School of • Effective protection of
Economics and facilitator of the environment
the SocioMETREX project,
gave the Keynote Address • Prudent use of natural
around the 3 themes of – resources.
• Recycle These and other Conference
• Repopulate outcomes gave a basis for
• Revitalise. the Sustainability Checklist
incorporated into the METREX
Practice Benchmark.
Prof.ssa Mercedes Bresso
was elected as METREX
President for a second term.
2002–2003Genova Autumn Meeting Stuttgart Spring meeting
23–26 October 2002, hosted 02–05 April 2003, hosted by • Metropolitan regions
by the Provincia di Genova the Verband Region Stuttgart must co-operate more
and held at the offices of the and held in the Haus der closely both at national
Provincia. Wirtschaft. and international level
in order to enhance their
Themes – Waterfront Having only joined METREX efficiency and advance
renewal, Metropolitan in 2002, Verband Region their common interests
governance and Relations Stuttgart hosted the Spring
with ESPON [the European METREX Meeting in 2003 • Each metropolitan region
Spatial Planning Observation on the theme Metropolitan must consistently develop
Network]. Governance. its specific profile as a
business location
The Genova Meeting An outcome of the
established the basis for Conference was the adoption • The metropolitan regions
future METREX advocacy of of a Strategy Statement must aim at a division of
a Metropolitan dimension by the Network of German labour and tasks
to European affairs and Metropolitan Regions –
for effective metropolitan • The metropolitan regions
governance. • Policies in all spheres must develop a sense of
and at all levels must identity and encourage
These outcomes were be increasingly geared active participation of
also reflected in the towards meeting the their citizens
developing METREX Practice needs of metropolitan
Benchmark. regions • The German metropolitan
regions must intensify
• Efficient forms of regional and co-ordinate their
co-operation must have Europe-related activities.
political legitimacy and
secure funding
• The most important
tasks of the metropolitan
regions are connected
with supra-local planning,
provision of infrastructure
and regional promotion of
economic development38_39
Stockholm Autumn Meeting
17–20 September 2003, Stuttgart reported back
hosted by Stockholm City on a survey that had been
Council and Stockholm conducted, through the
County Council and held in METREX Network, of practice
the Ersta Conference Centre, in the acquisition of sites
Stockholm. for Trade Fairs as public
infrastructure. Stuttgart
Themes – Traffic growth and had faced difficulties in
congestion, Polycentricity establishing that Trade Fairs
taking examples from the meet a public need that may
Baltic Sea area and northern necessitate the acquisition
Italy, and the work of the of sites in the public interest.
ESPON’s focal point in The survey supported the
Sweden, Nordregio. Stuttgart case, which was
successfully pursued through
The Meeting considered the the Courts.
new regional development
plan for Stockholm
Region and Case Studies
of the Stockholm and
London approaches to
congestion charging.
Aspects of polycentricity
were considered in
relation to Emilia-
Romagna. Presentations
were contributed from
St.Petersburg and the Baltic
Palette.
2003–2004San Sebastián/Bayonne
(Eurocity Basque) Spring
Meeting
05–08 May 2004, hosted by The EESC Own Opinion on
Eurocity Basque/Eurociudad European Metropolitan areas,
Vasca Bayonne-San Sebastián which shares many of the
and held in the Palacio objectives of METREX, was
Miramar. presented and discussed,
and Stuttgart undertook to
Theme – Cross-border progress a joint initiative to
areas. promote the metropolitan
dimension in Europe.
The meeting focused on issues
of polycentric and cross border
metropolitan planning and
governance.
Pais Vasco/Eurocity Basque
provided a model case study,
and the spatial plan for Napoli
was presented. Colleagues
from the European
Commission (DG Regio), the
European Economic and
Social Committee (EESC),
Council for Peripheral
Maritime Regions (CPMR),
the Association des
Communautés Urbaines
de France and the UK Core
Cities group, which share
these interests, contributed
their views. The Meeting
provided helpful inputs to the
PolyMETREXplus project.40_41
Barcelona Autumn
Conference
27–30 October 2004, The Keynote Address, on the Dr. Bernd Steinacher,
hosted by the Generalitat Conference theme, was given Regionaldirektor of the
de Catalunya and held in by Professor Sir Peter Hall. Verband Region Stuttgart,
Auditorium of the Casa Milà was elected as METREX
La Pedrera and the Hotel Conference Workshops President for the period
Condes de Barcelona. were held on Metropolitan 2004–2006 and set out 6
spatial planning and key directions for METREX
Theme – Future trends development practice, in an Presidential Electoral
in spatial planning and Metropolitan wellbeing Statement –
development. New and competitiveness and
methodologies and planning METREX exemplars (Madrid, • Membership and Member
tools. Frankfurt, Veneto, Sofia, services
Stockholm, Hamburg, Oslo,
The Conference offered Stuttgart, Saxon Triangle, • Better involvement in
METREX a major opportunity Hannover and Torino). The Brussels
to consider current European Conference Proceedings
and metropolitan spatial were published by METREX • Projects (involving EU
planning policies and on a CD. programmes such
positions. as INTERREG and its
The METREX General successors)
Contributions were received Assembly adopted a METREX
from the Dutch Presidency Position Paper on the future • Expert Groups
of the EU, the European of the Structural Funds, From
Commission (DG Regio), the Cities to Metropolitan Regions • International co-operation
European Economic and – the need for an enlarged (USA and Asia)
Social Committee (EESC), the perspective.
Committee of the Regions • Topics
(CoR) and the European (economic development,
Spatial Planning Observation infrastructure,
Network (ESPON). transportation).
2004–2005Nürnberg Spring Meeting
15–18 June 2005, hosted A key aspect of the • the support and
by the Metropolitan Region implementation of the Lisbon assistance of the EU
Nürnberg, Planungsverband Strategy at the metropolitan and Member State
Industrieregion Mittelfranken, level will be effective governments to
Planungsverband governance. The Lisbon realise the potential of
Westmittelfranken and Die Strategy recognises the metropolitan regions and
Region Nürnberg e.V. and need to integrate economic, areas.
held in the Congress Center social and environmental
Nürnberg. considerations, which are In particular, this support
inter-related components of relates to –
Theme – The Lisbon Agenda a competitive and sustainable
and the EU27+ future. • Investing in network
infrastructure
Nürnberg Metropolitan region The President of METREX
was taken as a case study of a called for – • Implementing strategic
metropolitan response to the projects
Lisbon Agenda. • Recognition of
metropolitan regions • Interlinking industry and
The position of the European and areas by EU research
Parliament, the European institutions, Member
Commission (DG Regio), the State governments and • Social integration
European Economic and the legislative regions,
Social Committee (EESC), as a spatial category • Safeguarding natural
Committee of the Regions with problems and resources.
(CoR) and the European opportunities that extend
Spatial Planning Observation way beyond the core cities This entails the co-ordination
Network (ESPON) was of the Lisbon Agenda and
presented. Case studies from • Metropolitan regions and the Structural Funds. It
the new EU Member States, areas having the potential also requires recognition of
Accession Countries and to achieve the Lisbon the potential metropolitan
linking metropolitan regions objectives contribution to the Lisbon
and areas were contributed. Strategy in the policies and
• Partners in shaping programmes of the EU and
the Lisbon Agenda and the Member States.
putting it into action42_43
Granada Autumn Meeting Talents, Tolerance,
Technology: The
Metropolitan future of
Europe
26–29 October 2005, hosted Presentations were METREX, through the
by the Ayuntamiento de received from the European President, the Verband
Granada and held in the Environmental Agency (EEA) Region Stuttgart and
Hotel Nazariés. and the Tyndall Centre for Hamburg Metropolitan
Climate Change Management Region held a joint event on
Theme – Climate Change/ (UK). Case studies were 7 March 2006 at the offices of
Urban Change. received from London, the Committee of the Regions
Helsinki, Rotterdam and in Brussels to highlight the
The Granada Meeting was the ESPACE project. The role of metropolitan regions
important in providing the Granada metropolitan area in the Lisbon Process and
basis of knowledge and also provided a case study in the need to focus on them
understanding on the issue which climate change was an as drivers of growth and
of climate change that was issue. innovation in Europe.
required to enable METREX
to consider a metropolitan The InterMETREX project The event also explored
response. offers one means through the opportunities available
which this can be achieved, to realise the potential of
It is clear that Europe’s urban and an extension to the metropolitan Europe.
areas are amongst the major project will be sought to
generators of greenhouse enable this to happen. The
gases, such as carbon METREX Practice Benchmark
dioxide, that are affecting can be extended to provide
the global climate. Europe’s guidance on effective practice
metropolitan areas must through which metropolitan
consider ways in which they areas can become carbon
can make major reductions light.
in their greenhouse gas
emissions, perhaps up to METREX also participated for
80%. the first time in the Brussels
Open Days, held from 10–13
October 2005, and contributed
on the Metropolitan
Dimension.
2005–2006Madrid International
Congress
02–06 May 2006, hosted by The Congress was conceived The three days of the
the Comunidad de Madrid and promoted by the Congress featured addresses
and held in the Palacio Comunidad de Madrid, in on the state of the art, with
Municipal de Congresos. association with METREX, each one being followed by
and formed part of the two relevant practical case
Theme – Planning and METREX 10th Anniversary studies and, subsequently,
development of Metropolitan programme. It was attended by moderated forums to
Capital Regions – to define, by over 700 delegates from clarify and explore issues
by means of a series of across the world and was of interest. Case studies
keynote addresses by described by Professor Sir included the European Union,
international leaders Peter Hall, the Congress Paris, London, Øresund,
in the field and through Patron, as the most Milan, Vancouver, Seoul,
comparative studies of significant event of its kind San Francisco, Bogota,
examples of good practice, that he had been associated Curitiba and Madrid.
the current status of with.
the Spatial Planning of The Conference Patron,
Metropolitan Capital Regions, Over 20 practitioners of Professor Sir Peter Hall,
as well as to inspire and international standing, gave the opening and closing
further its progress. from representative global keynote addresses to set
Metropolitan Capital Regions the context for the Congress
The aim of the Congress and Cities, gathered in and also to summarise its
was to provide a unique Madrid for a high level outcomes. The Congress
opportunity for the exchange comparative analysis and Proceedings have been
of knowledge and experience assessment of the problems published by the Comunidad
on a subject that affects and opportunities of present- de Madrid in book form and
metropolitan regions and day metropolitan areas as a DVD.
areas all over the world, as from the perspective of the
well as to guide the decision- environment, the economy
making process and the and society.
implementation of strategies
on an effective basis.44_45
Szczecin 10th Anniversary
Conference
27–30 September 2006, The objective was to The METREX 10th
hosted by the Municipality of exchange experience, Anniversary Conference was
Szczecin and held in the SAS information, knowledge, something of an experiment,
Radisson hotel. expertise and understanding with two Open Space
on the key issues facing sessions on the Thursday
Theme – The State of European metropolitan and Friday afternoons. Open
Practice: the body of regions and areas today Space is a means of enabling
knowledge. Looking back: and in the future. The productive conversations
Looking forward. Conference drew on the between colleagues to
body of knowledge within explore and develop collective
METREX and the Municipality METREX and reflected on thinking about issues of
of Szczecin, in association with the achievements of the common interest.
the European Commission (DG Network over the past
Regio) invited practitioners decade: Looking back: and The Conference Proceedings
in European spatial planning the challenges for the coming have been published by
and development (politicians, decade: looking forward. METREX on a CD.
officials and their advisers)
to Szczecin to celebrate the The intention was to provide
10th Anniversary of METREX a milestone event at which
through a review of the practitioners could draw on
State of Practice: the body the wider European State
of knowledge: Looking back: of Practice to improve the
Looking forward. effectiveness of the practice
in their own metropolitan
regions and areas. The
Conference enabled METREX
to formulate its programme
for the coming decade on a
well-informed basis.
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