Mechelen activates vacancy above stores

Smart solutions for a tight housing market

An excessively tight housing market and the dreary sight of vacant space above storefronts: reasons enough for the city of Mechelen to relax its permit policy for spaces above stores. After all, why constantly carve out and add new space when you can also make optimal use of existing space?

For five years, the city of Mechelen has been committed to combating vacancy above retail properties. All those vacant spaces just look sad in the streetscape and the tight housing market could use the extra push. Those who previously applied for a permit in Mechelen to create an additional residential unit had to meet a lot of urban planning conditions. The city has dropped those conditions when it comes to living above stores. Building by building, the best possible solution was sought.

Meanwhile, more than 215 permits were issued. Of these, 146 are zoned as residential units, 52 as student rooms and 17 as vacation rentals. But the city is also looking beyond that. For example, offices, practices, gyms, escape rooms, galleries, nurseries and so on are being considered. Circular economy at its best.

Photo: City of Mechelen