Negotiation processes in urban redevelopment projects: Dealing with conflicts by balancing integrative and distributive approaches

Abstract

Dealing with conflict through dialogue receives considerable attention in current planning approaches. However, debate and negotiation are also inevitable features in the planning of urban redevelopment projects. Insight into the negotiation process contributes to current planning practice as negotiation provides a strong basis for addressing conflicts and satisfying both individual and common interests. In this paper the concepts of integrative and distributive negotiation are explored and analysed in two urban redevelopment projects involving cultural heritage buildings in the Netherlands. The paper shows the negotiation dynamics over time and argues that openly formulating joint ambitions and making strong statements to fulfil individual interests are both essential in coming to a mutually beneficial agreement.

Keywords::

• planning
• negotiation
• urban redevelopment
• mutual gains
• agreement
• heritage

Funding

The work reported here was part of a research programme involving the University of Twente, Platform 31, four municipalities (Tilburg, Hengelo, Enschede and Zaanstad), the Dutch Government's real estate and development company (RVOB) and the Netherlands Railways Company (NS). The parties contributed financially, granted access to their documentation, and met to discuss the research findings.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marlijn Baarveld

Marlijn Baarveld is a PhD researcher at the Department of Construction Management and Engineering of University of Twente, the Netherlands. Her research focuses on the negotiation process and value-capturing strategies to re-use cultural heritage buildings in urban redevelopment projects. She is currently working as a consultant at the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency.

Marnix Smit

Marnix Smit is Assistant Professor at the Department of Construction Management and Engineering of the University of Twente, the Netherlands, and has experience in research and lecturing in urban planning and public–private partnerships (PPP). Marnix holds an MSc in Public Administration and a PhD in Urban Planning. His PhD research explored how the public interest could be safeguarded in PPP projects in urban developments.

Geert Dewulf

Geert Dewulf is Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Technology and Professor of Planning and Development at the University of Twente, the Netherlands. In 2012–2013, he was the UPS Foundation Visiting Professor at Stanford University. Geert Dewulf has written numerous publications on PPP. His research focuses on public–private governance issues and strategic planning.