We are already halfway through the PREUSE project: things are speeding up! This is an opportunity for partners to meet in Utrecht for two days of work, progress, and lots of inspiration.
For this seventh steering committee meeting, the project partners met in Utrecht (Netherlands), the city where one of the three pilot operations is being developed: the opening and operational implementation of a construction materials reuse center, Trechterweide on Lage Weide. Two days of meetings and discussions were held to review the progress of activities and to learn more about the circular economy issues at stake in this pioneering region in terms of ressource reclamation and reuse.
First, our primary objective is progressing: improving the way public authorities manage their material flows.
The realisation of the "Atlas of reuse centers and types of public support" (if you haven't read it yet, it's here). This knowledge will enable us to present a draft strategy in June for developing these centers in North West Europe. These studies allow us to engage in specific discussions. This time, we focused on the Stock Management Systems used by the centre. Action plans are being finalised, while feedback from pilot operations is proving invaluable. Different scales and opportunities, but everyone is moving forward: #Lorient (contract for work in progress), #Roubaix (start of architectural studies, building permit application) and #Utrecht (first opening, first lessons).
Our second objective is also progressing : encouraging the uptake of reuse among building professionals.
New training models are currently being developed and we will be able to beta test them in a variety of contexts. The launch of an online documentation centre is progressing, with nearly 600 references listed! A beta version is also coming soon.
Reuse architecture and inspiring urban cooperative model at Hof van Cartesius.
We had the opportunity to visit one of Utrecht's most important architectural experimentation laboratories: Hof van Cartesius. At the end of 2017, the Hof van Cartesius UA cooperative inaugurated its first two pavilions, made from nearly 99% reused materials. Since 2021, it has become a major hub for circular entrepreneurship, with 3,500 m² of workspace spread across eight pavilions and landscaped areas. An aesthetic of reuse that inspires and drives ambition!
Visit to Utrecht's new public reuse centre: six months after opening, where are we now?
Many thanks to Gemeente Utrecht for the inspiring tour of the public reuse center, which opened last March and has already completed 80 projects across the municipality!
This centre is the first of the project to be launched and is 100% publicly operated on several levels: land ownership, infrastructure ownership, site management, material origin and main destination etc. After its launch, the site will begin a second phase of testing and improving its processes and communication in order to increase its influence in the context of major construction projects undertaken in Utrecht.
The main materials found there, whose circulation and storage are significant:
- Element paving (including concrete, baked and natural stone pavers and retaining bands)
- Street furniture (including benches, poles, bicycle racks)
- Other (including fencing, stelcon plates, dragline mats)
The next steps for the Trechterweide center revolve around opening a digital store, hiring new staff (director, inventory manager, and work planner), implementing protocols for working methods and quality control, while continuing to promote the project and mobilise the city's teams!
Group photo with all PREUSE partners and associated partners during the visit, 28.11.2025, Utrecht reuse centre.