Where Mixed-Use Planning forms the Future of Living: Perceptions of Starters and Businesses on mixed-use development in Utrecht

Abstract

The Netherlands is facing a considerable housing shortage of approximately 390,000 residences, both in terms of quantity and quality. To address this issue, the Dutch Planning Agenda proposes the implementation of mixed-use areas, which facilitates multiple land-use functions in a compact space. Nonetheless, to guarantee the success of mixed-use areas, it is necessary to evaluate the compatibility of these land-use functions because both the public, residences, and companies share these spaces.

The objective of this study is to comprehend the perspectives of both starters on the housing market and businesses about mixed-use planning developments in the Netherlands. To achieve this goal, the following research question was developed: What are the perspectives of (future) residents and companies on the integration of mixed-use planning transformations in old industrial areas? Within this question, future residents refer to those who are currently unable to find (affordable) housing, and their perspective is centred on the liveability of a mixed-use neighbourhood. Companies are inquired about their competitiveness and the comparative advantages of their business location, and their perspective on respective changes when relocating to a mixed-use area. These perspectives on mixed-use areas are combined to assess synergy in such areas, or the compatibility between land-use functions.

Qualitative research methods were utilised to address the research question. Both focus-group interviews (with starters on the housing market) and in-depth interviews (with companies) were conducted. The Merwedekanaalzone sub-zone 5 case was employed to exemplify mixed-use environments. Based on the participants' responses, it was found that the starters (residents) considered mixed-use planning as an acceptable option but stressed the importance of providing (affordable) housing instead of introducing mixed-use areas. On the other hand, the companies expressed their inability to remain in the area if mixed-use planning was implemented. Consequently, a corresponding synergy between the two land-use functions may be unsustainable.

Based on the results, it is recommended that mixed-use areas should not be introduced on a large scale. If these were to be implemented, a greater focus should be on combining commercial and residential functions instead of the proposition of Merwedekanaalzone (residential and industrial). Future research should pertain to the perspectives of residents and companies once mixed-use areas are completed.