Super(woon)markten

Within this article newly developed concepts from the Spatial Policy Plan of Flanders are tested, both to their quantitative potentials, and to their attractiveness for external parties. Spatial efficiency is one of the priorities in the Policy Plan as well as the intention to limit the intake of open green space. The (urban) expansion concept of the former plan is actually rewritten into a transformation concept through reuse, interweaving and densification. These alternative targets have not been tested for feasibility in the field. This article focusses on the redevelopment of supermarket locations. Initially, we quantitatively explored what can be achieved in case of housing needs (for a policy period of 10 years) at the supermarket locations, which are the eligible areas for this program, and which building heights can be expected. Secondly, we checked the feasibility, failure and success factors with a few large market players. We conclude by putting forward some suggestions as to how the government can accelerate this (relatively slow) process of redevelopment of supermarket locations. The study shows that with limited densification the housing needs for the next ten years can be captured within the existing paved area of the well located supermarket locations and accordingly a greening of the neighborhood can be achieved. Several supermarket chains are already redevelopping their sites by introducing residential programs. Policy-related intensions and efficiency targets come together at these locations.