What is the societal and economic value of NV Zeedijk?
This question was addressed by Thomas de Graaff, Casper Klipp and Hans Koster. NV Zeedijk was founded in the 1980s to revitalize the then-deteriorated Zeedijk area in Amsterdam. By strategically purchasing, renovating, and actively managing properties, the organization – with the Municipality of Amsterdam as its largest shareholder – has significantly improved the liveability and safety of the neighbourhood. The researchers’ analysis shows that clusters of NV Zeedijk properties are associated with roughly 15% higher house prices – a societal benefit of about €10 million.
Moreover, in areas with many NV Zeedijk properties, the share of shops with ‘limited social value’ (such as souvenir and fast-food outlets) is 25% lower than elsewhere in the city centre, and there appears to be less nuisance and crime.
Successful approach
The strength of NV Zeedijk lies in its small scale and hands-on approach: targeted investments in liveability that have a lasting positive impact on the neighbourhood and its residents.