How companies can contribute to the spatial development of a neighbourhood in Paramaribo, Suriname

This master’s thesis examines the increasing influence of private companies in the urban development of Latour, a neighbourhood in Paramaribo, Suriname. This trend of “corporation-led urban development” illustrates how companies are becoming more involved in shaping urban areas, particularly in situations where governments are not fully capable of managing these developments on their own. Latour, traditionally seen as a neighbourhood with a lower socio-economic status and lacking infrastructure, has experienced significant changes in recent decades. This includes population growth and the increasing establishment of businesses, which now play a crucial role in the spatial and social development of the area.

The research explores how these private actors can contribute to urban improvements, such as the development of a green-blue cycling network. It examines the motivations of these companies to invest in urban areas and how this fits within broader neoliberal governance trends, where the responsibility for urban development is shifting from public to private actors. The study also highlights the specific context of Latour, where businesses are committed to improving the neighbourhood’s livability. Through spatial analysis, interviews, and the organisation of a Car-Free Day with various stakeholders, a system has been designed in which companies, citizens, and the government can collaborate. In the short term, various development areas can already be transformed into components of the future green-blue cycling network in Latour.