Transforming vacant office buildings near motorways could create homes for over 60,000 households in the Netherlands, according to Colliers. With 18 identified locations totalling 3.8 million square metres, this solution addresses the growing housing shortage. The Dutch government aims to build 980,000 homes by 2030, but faces challenges such as land acquisition and an overcrowded electricity grid. Projects like The Mayor on the A9 near Amstelveen demonstrate the feasibility of such conversions. Noord-Holland could see 25,000 new homes, Zuid-Holland a 26% reduction in shortages, and Utrecht a 20% reduction. Colliers urges municipalities to support these initiatives.
Transforming office buildings on the outskirts of cities and near motorways could provide homes for over 60,000 households in the Netherlands, according to real estate advisor Colliers. Offices in these areas are increasingly unoccupied and no longer meet business needs, making this conversion a viable solution.
The Dutch government aims to build 980,000 homes by 2030 and potentially another million thereafter to address the housing shortage. However, achieving these goals is challenging due to the lengthy process of land acquisition, preparation, and construction. An overcrowded electricity grid further complicates the situation.
Colliers has identified 18 motorway locations where vacant office spaces, totalling approximately 3.8 million square metres, could be converted into housing. This would create space for over 60,000 homes, comparable to the number of homes in Leiden.
Madeline Buijs, Collier's housing expert emphasized that Housing construction near motorways is still uncommon, but projects like The Mayor on the A9 near Amstelveen demonstrate its feasibility. The former KPMG office in this project was converted into over 300 homes, showing that such conversions are possible and necessary given the current housing shortage.
Buijs also noted that constructing homes in these locations takes advantage of existing infrastructure and utilities, making the process quicker and more cost-effective compared to developing new residential areas on undeveloped land.
Noord-Holland could potentially see 25,000 new homes through such conversions, significantly reducing its current shortage of 77,500 homes. In Zuid-Holland, the housing shortage could decrease by 26 percent, while Utrecht, with fewer suitable locations, could see a 20 percent reduction in its shortage with 6,500 new homes.
Colliers emphasised that the number of potential homes could be increased through demolition, new construction, and densification. The advisor urged municipalities and provinces to facilitate housing construction through clear communication, expedited procedures, soundproofing measures, and public transport investments.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
