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Gentrification in the city center of Groningen

Harteveld, Jasmijn (2024) Gentrification in the city center of Groningen. Bachelor thesis.

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Abstract

This study explored gentrification in the city center of Groningen, its connection to the housing market, the policies that address it, and whether or not it has had an influence on the perception of residents. The aim of this study was to analyze the current situation of gentrification in Groningen. The research question guiding this study is: ‘To what extent does gentrification affect housing distribution in the city center of Groningen, the Netherlands?’ Employing a mixed-method approach, the study includes a qualitative semi-structured interview with the municipality of Groningen, a qualitative resident survey, a secondary data analysis of housing policies, and CBS data with regard to housing distribution. Research revealed that there are presently no specific policies addressing gentrification in Groningen. Instead, the city has policies related to housing distribution, which indirectly influence gentrification and are therefore relevant to this research. These policies aim to lower the influence of private investors on the housing market and increase the construction of new properties to battle the housing crisis. At the same time, policies to implement fair rental prices were also introduced. If successful, 20.000-25.000 of renter-occupied houses in Groningen will fall into this category after implementation in 2024. The survey indicated that the majority of residents were of the opinion that the process of gentrification is occurring in the city center of Groningen, while more than half expressed a negative perception of its effects. A further ninety-two percent of respondents believed gentrification could displace lower socioeconomic households from the city center, contradicting the municipality’s goal of fostering an undivided city. These results highlight the absence of specific gentrification policies and the concept’s omission in official municipal documents. Future research might explore the perspective of additional stakeholders, such as private investors and housing corporations. Alternatively, an investigation into residential perceptions of gentrification between different districts within the city center could offer valuable insights.

Item Type: Thesis (Bachelor)
Degree programme: Spatial Planning and Design
Supervisor: Theron, C.
Date Deposited: 22 Jul 2024 12:39
Last Modified: 22 Jul 2024 12:39
URI: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4655

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