Governance, locations and amenities of hubs – places that connect and intertwine mobility, energy and social networks

Abstract

A network of hubs could help to deal more efficiently with valuable public space and improve accessibility in cities. This paper aims to enhance Advier’s existing draft design principle, which can determine promising locations for the hub network and suitable amenities for each hub, following feedback from applications in Dutch municipalities. The draft design principle has been improved by adding two steps. First, the list of amenities can be further tailored to local needs by gaining direct insights from the local representatives. Second, hub locations can now be prioritized based on movability of anchor points and infrastructure maintenance or urban developments. Besides, this paper proposes a governance model for hub networks to align all stakeholders involved. Advier has identified the PPP governance model as the most preferable structure. According to this model, all stakeholders are shareholders of a hub network through a single entity, which is most likely to result in a positive business case while ensuring benefits for hub users, residents and the municipality. Both the enhanced design principle and governance model will support policymakers to develop a well- functioning hub network and will be further assessed and developed during living labs as part of the DMI programme.