News item | 01-12-2025 | 09:00
3 municipalities – Groningen, Land van Cuijk and Zwolle – will receive a total of €6 million from the Ministry of Economic Affairs to tackle their shopping area or shopping street. The fourth and final allocation from the Impulse Approach to Shopping Areas Program took place at the end of 2024 (€88 million). The three municipalities mentioned submitted projects that met all requirements, but for which there was no longer a budget. Space has now been made available in the ministry’s budget for the financing.
In many municipalities the number of vacant shops has increased in recent years. With the Impulse Approach to Shopping Areas, investments are therefore made to support the local economy. For example, by redesigning the shopping area and addressing the quality of buildings and public space, these areas are more attractive for shopping, living and doing business. The municipality of Groningen will be working in the center of Haren, Land van Cuijk in the center of Sint Anthonis and Zwolle in the northern city center (Broerenkwartier).
In the projects that receive a contribution, attention is paid to matters such as walking routes, the variety of shops on offer, accessibility and appearance. There is also a focus on making the shopping area more compact and therefore more attractive. For example, by earmarking retail properties for other functions, such as additional homes and public greenery.
Minister Karremans (Economic Affairs): “Attractive shopping areas are important for (SME) entrepreneurs, visitors and residents. They also contribute to the quality of life and cohesion and we must all cherish that. As a ministry, we have therefore given more than 40 municipalities financial support to make shopping areas more attractive together with private parties. These public and private investments together lead to structural renewal and future-proof inner cities and village centers.”
Tens of millions of investments and 13,000 m2 of retail space renovation
After 4 allocation rounds, all plans have reached 13,000 m2 retail space will be reorganized and more than €90 million extra will be invested in public space. The housing construction task plays an important role in the projects. More than 5,000 homes will be built using the scheme, including approximately 1,800 social rental homes and 1,800 affordable homes.