Space for economic growth in Soest through smarter use of existing business parks
27 June 2022
The economy of the municipality of Soest is thriving. The town now has almost 6,000 businesses employing 18,000 people. One third of these jobs are located on business parks. However, the continued growth of businesses and employment in Soest is under pressure because space has run out.
Limited growth opportunities require thoughtful use of space
Various studies show that local businesses want to expand and scale up within Soest, but that this is now barely possible. No new commercial plots are available, and the supply of premises for rent or sale is extremely limited: less than 2 per cent of business space in Soest and Soesterberg is actively on the market. This is far below the 5 per cent frictional vacancy rate needed for a healthy market for business locations. Existing business parks are already used intensively, with an average Floor Space Index (FSI) of 0.65. In addition, the Province of Utrecht requires that 40 per cent of new demand for space must be accommodated on existing business parks rather than in the countryside. Meeting this requirement is only possible if space is used more intensively.
Everyone benefits from more intensive and diverse use of scarce space
Against this backdrop, the municipality of Soest commissioned Decisio and BREEN Stedenbouw to explore how existing business parks could be used more efficiently through intensification, diversification and transformation. The study focused on three business parks in Soest: Soestdijkse Grachten, Wooncentrum Soesterberg and Wooninrichtingszaken Birkstraat. For each area, we explored the opportunities and constraints for intensification, diversification and transformation. We also identified roles and instruments the municipality can use to move towards more sustainable spatial use.
Both the municipality and local businesses, as well as the wider community, stand to benefit. The exploration shows that using space on business locations more thoughtfully creates both economic and societal value. More intensive and diverse use of space has a positive impact on property values and on the liveability, vibrancy and long‑term resilience of business parks.
