The growing security threats to the Netherlands mean that the size of the Defence workforce will increase by 32% by 2030, according to the 'State of Defence' report published this spring. This represents an expansion of historic proportions. As the number of personnel rises sharply, Defence’s need for space also increases significantly—whether for working, living, training, production, or storage of equipment. The total Defence budget for 2024 has been set at €21.4 billion, of which €826.8 million is specifically allocated to infrastructure and real estate. Defence plans to create additional space for military purposes at a minimum of 31 locations, including barracks, ammunition depots, and airfields. To meet the growing demand, strategic planning and efficient use of space are essential.
SPATIAL CHALLENGES FOR DEFENCE:
- Retaining and attracting personnel in the current tight labour market: A key reason for military personnel and civilians to leave is the balance between work, travel time, and home life. Strategic location choices can help retain and attract talent.
- Investing in knowledge, innovation, and technology: There is a need for enhanced and smarter European and international cooperation in joint production and supply. The Netherlands plays a leading role in expanding and deepening this collaboration, investing further in knowledge development, technology advancements, and innovations. Proximity to research institutions, innovative companies, and technology firms is crucial.
- Scarcity of resources and rising costs: Defence aims to scale up significantly in terms of personnel, accommodation, and equipment. Sufficient production capacity is essential, with the manufacturing sector playing an important role as a strategic partner.
- Ageing infrastructure: In today’s rapidly changing world, accommodation preferences evolve as well. Defence real estate comprises 50% of all national government property. By the end of 2022, there were approximately 11,000 buildings with an average age of 40 years, covering around six million square metres. In addition to expansion, modernisation of existing facilities is also necessary.
EXPERTISE
At Cushman & Wakefield, we work daily on accommodation solutions for organisations. With operations spanning nine regions and multiple disciplines, we are frequently consulted by the Public Sector. For Defence, we offer the following services:
- Quality benchmarking
- Our data-driven models map the quality of all buildings and areas in the Netherlands. For the expansion of Defence’s portfolio, building quality can be assessed based on its current function. If the quality is below market demand, this presents an opportunity for Defence. Our quality benchmark enables direct comparison between buildings based on identical characteristics.
- Feasibility analyses
- Assessing possible programming for land plots and existing buildings while evaluating financial feasibility.
- Strategic accommodation advice
- Identifying which buildings and sites in the Netherlands align with Defence’s needs for living, working, training, production, and storage.
- Determining the most suitable accommodation to retain and attract talent.
- Technical accommodation advice
- Providing guidance on sustainability improvements and modernisation of buildings, defining requirements for new constructions, and overseeing building projects.
- Valuations
- Calculating land prices and appraising properties.
- Compulsory purchase advisory
- Preparing advisory and valuation reports for land expropriation.
