No temporary supermarket in the Utrecht Science Park
The desire of Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 and the City of Utrecht to establish a temporary larger supermarket in the Utrecht Science Park (USP) is currently not feasible. Research shows that no suitable location can be found in the USP to accommodate such a temporary supermarket of about 750 square meters. The Educatorium, which was in the picture as the most concrete location, is also unsuitable, according to the study.
However, it remains the wish of both Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 and the City of Utrecht to eventually house a larger supermarket in the USP that meets the needs of students in terms of both assortment and price. The lack of a temporary supermarket is reason for Spar 木瓜福利影视 to invest in the existing supermarket, which will be expanded in terms of surface area and assortment.
No supermarket in the Educatorium
On behalf of Utrecht 木瓜福利影视, Aestate investigated the possibility of a temporary and larger supermarket in the Educatorium. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case. While the surface area is adequate, functionally and legally it is not feasible. This is because of the building's crucial functions for the university, such as teaching and conference rooms and logistical support for multiple buildings in the USP. Moreover, any modifications would be at odds with the building's monumental status and design principles. In addition, the current agreement with caterer Eurest - which currently operates the cafeteria in the Educatorium - must be respected, and grid congestion (overloading of the electricity grid) is also playing tricks on the USP.
Spar gets bigger
At 400 square meters, the current Spar 木瓜福利影视 is considered too small and its offerings too limited. The good news is that the supermarket is making short-term upgrades. The store will be remodeled no later than the first quarter of 2025 and the sales area will be expanded by nearly 100 square meters. This will expand the assortment and be more responsive to student needs, including pricing. Brainstorming sessions will be organized together with student (associations) to ensure that the renovation meets the wishes of the target group. Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 and the municipality will closely monitor these developments.
Implementation of future plans
A larger supermarket in the USP therefore remains part of the future vision for the campus. It is a serious option to include the establishment of the much desired supermarket in the plans for the future new building on the site where the Langeveld building currently stands, but other locations are also being studied. The plan now is to dismantle the Langeveld building in 2028.
For more information, download the full feasibility study here (in Dutch).