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In the 1970s the textile production in Enschede came to a halt, due to fierce competition from mainly the Far East. This had a profound effect on the populace. Enschede became one of the poorest municipalities in the Netherlands and (de facto) went bankrupt. Large areas of industrial wasteland came to mark the city.
With the support of the national government, this property was acquired and rebuilt. The city center was rendered a car-free zone, the importance of Enschede as a Euregional Centre was stimulated and Enschede managed to rise from the ashes (for once not literally).
Fireworks disaster
On 13 May 2000, a fireworks storage in Enschede exploded, destroying the entire neighborhood ofRoombeek and killing 23 people, including 4 firemen. This catastrophe is known in the Netherlandsas the Vuurwerkramp (fireworks disaster).
In 2001 a referendum confirmed the proposal of the city council to expand the built-up area into theUsseler Es, an area of historic cultural significance and of geological importance, as it was here that the Usselo horizon was discovered.
Large scale construction and renovation activities in the city center have been ongoing for several years
