Considering adaptive reuse within the municipal portfolio

Abstract

The economic crisis, demographic changes and increasing vacancy of real estate in the city urges us to question how we cope with the new needs of the city, and how these can be combined with the existing built environment. Adaptive reuse, as a concept of reusing pre-existing structures for new purposes, has become an increasingly appealing option. Not only because of the recognition of the effects on climate change by the built environment, but also the realization that adaptive reuse can make a considerable contribution to the formulation of strategies for sustainable, future-proof cities. A growing interest in adaptive reuse can also be identified in the public sector. It is now recognized by public organisations, like municipalities, that real estate cannot merely be managed and preserved by simple maintenance. The uniqueness of every adaptive reuse project however contributes vastly to the complexity and it appears that many municipalities are currently not equipped to deal with these kinds of projects. Moreover, it is arguable whether they should execute the adaptive reuse themselves at all, because of all the involved risks and commitments and the fact that they are dealing with public money. But how should they then act whenever dealing with an object within their portfolio that is eligible for adaptive reuse? A concise strategy is needed to provide municipalities with the means to make a fitted decision that can be properly justified to the other stakeholders. In general, one could argue that there are several alternative options, but what option would be the best for that specific situation? Therefore, the main research question is: “What criteria need to be considered when deciding upon adaptive reuse within the real estate portfolio of municipalities?” The result of this research is a tool in which the identified criteria are implemented in a comparison matrix which is used to discuss and assess the different alternatives. The comparison matrix is integrated into a step-by-step plan subdivided into two phases. The developed tool provides the municipalities with a structured decision-making process, which can be used to maximise transparency, stimulate critical thinking, optimise MREM and initiate the right discussion.