Marjolein Spaans

The implementation of urban regeneration projects in Europe: Global ambitions, local matters

The dynamic of the world economy influences function profiles of cities. Many European cities find themselves confronted by a weakening of their economic base and have formulated a new profile for which to aim. They have tried to strengthen the profile through inner city multifunctional urban regeneration projects. The assumption of this paper is that when looking at the implementation process, globalization will be felt in these projects at first. The research indicates that this in fact turns out disappointingly, both with respect to the involvement of foreign actors and in the influence of European legislation. The author studied six urban revitalization projects in three countries, the Netherlands, the UK and France. Each case includes upmarket housing, offices and cultural and recreational facilities and puts considerable emphasis on high-value public space and public transport.

Land supply and housing development: A comparative analysis of Britain and the Netherlands 1970–95

Abstract This article examines the relationship between land supply and housing development in Britain and The Netherlands, two countries conventionally perceived to be very different in this respect. The article forwards a dual approach to analysis. The first is focused on fundamental differences. These are elaborated in terms of demographic factors, political process and physical land conditions. The second approach expands on a framework devised by Needham & Lie (1994), which is adapted here for the analysis of land policy over time. The article examines the complex nature of land policy in both countries. It thereby highlights the difficulties in providing a robust analytical framework capable of bridging comparison over time and of concluding on the extent of policy convergence.

Meta-governance and developing integrated territorial strategies: The case study of MIRT territorial agendas in the Randstad (Netherlands)

This paper considers the role of meta-governance in developing integrative territorial strategies at the regional level, drawing evidence from the Randstad (the Netherlands). We look at three cases of regional strategy-making within the context of a long-term national government investment programme on infrastructure and territorial development called MIRT. In terms of findings, we observe that the MIRT programme has created an institutional context which enables governmental stakeholders to effectively deal with the fragmented governance situation in their part of the Randstad. The findings fuel further reflection on the possible role of meta-governance in regional integrated strategy-making.

Framing the Long-Term Impact of Mega-Event Strategies on the Development of Olympic Host Cities

Mega-event strategies and their impact on the development of host cities have drawn increasing interest as they have become part of wider city development strategies. Studies of mega-event strategies have tended to focus on a single perspective such as economic rationale and impact. As greater attention is paid to their long-term impact, there is a need for more comprehensive evaluation combining economic, social and environmental perspectives, and assessing the management of competing objectives. This paper proposes a comprehensive analytical framework for examining the multiple long-term impacts of mega-events on host cities. It illustrates the use of the framework through two examples of the Summer Olympics as the archetypal mega-event.

The Changing Role of the Dutch Supralocal and Regional Levels in Spatial Planning: What Can France Teach Us?

Abstract This paper explores the new role of the supralocal and regional levels in Dutch spatial planning and illustrates the change in role using examples from current planning practices. Two regional levels can be distinguished in the Netherlands: the province and the city-region. Case studies from the regional area development and the VINEX practice are presented for the province and the city-region, respectively. The institutional transformation of the supralocal and regional levels in spatial planning in the Netherlands is mirrored against changes in France. The French experience is used for reflection on the Dutch situation.

Fixed link, fixed effects? Housing market outcomes of new infrastructure development in the Dutch Delta Area

This paper assesses the relationship between infrastructure development and housing market development, thereby focusing on major new infrastructure linking previously separate housing markets. This is often the case when bridges or tunnels provide for new connections in island regions or delta areas. Empirical evidence is presented for a case in the Netherlands: the construction of the Westerschelde Tunnel. This tunnel resulted in rather dramatic changes in accessibility and centrality. The tunnel connects the previously separate central and peripheral housing markets of southern Zeeland, and turns out to have a different impact on both areas. On the basis of the hedonic regression method, we found – quite unexpectedly and in marked contrast with the literature – that the increased accessibility in the more central region led to an increase in house prices, whereas increased accessibility in the more peripheral region subdued the house prices, all other things being equal. This was not due to less demand for houses in the periphery compared to the centre, but rather due to qualitative differences in demand. Households which moved to the centre were comparatively younger, more active in the labour market and more often included children.