NO STONE UNTURNED: Mixed-use adds value to your real estate – discover how it works

In the latest episode of No Stone Unturned, the Savills Netherlands podcast, Charlotte de Mos speaks with Cees van der Spek, Public Affairs & Global Corporate Relations Director at developer EDGE. The topic: the social value of real estate. Buildings are no longer just square metres or sources of return – they can also become the beating heart of a community.

From bricks to society

Mixed-use developments are on the rise in Dutch cities. But what do they actually mean in practice? “The social value lies in how a building becomes interwoven with the life of the city,” Cees explains. It’s about creating places that are usable and inviting 24/7 – from living and working to hospitality, culture, and public spaces.

Jozien van der Wal (Programme Manager Digital Twin at Schiphol Area Development Company) views Digital Twin as an ecosystem of modules: "At SADC, we focus on Broad Prosperity. Whether it’s about ecology, wellbeing or financial value, each module within our Digital Twin offers insight into a specific theme, but everything is interconnected."

Inspiring examples

One of the most striking stories from the podcast is how EDGE filled vacant office hours by allowing orchestras to rehearse in a building. “One evening, a symphony orchestra of ninety musicians suddenly stood in our atrium hall,” Cees recalls. It turned out to be a resounding success: the acoustics were perfect, and tenants were proud that their property had suddenly become a cultural hotspot. Local residents were invited to attend rehearsals, giving the building an extra layer of meaning.

Why this matters

Social value is not always directly measurable in financial returns, but it certainly has an impact. It strengthens ties with the neighbourhood, enhances the image of a building, and can even help to retain tenants for longer. In the end, social value reinforces not just the community but also the business case: more loyalty, less vacancy, and alignment with ESG criteria. “It’s branding, it’s community, it’s pride,” says Cees. Investors are beginning to recognise this value too, although it takes courage and vision to look beyond the spreadsheets.

Collaboration is key

According to Cees, developers cannot do this alone. Municipalities play a crucial role with their requirements and ambitions, and partnerships with cultural and social organisations also make the difference. “You need to develop programmes that truly work for everyone – from residents and employees to the surrounding community.” Savills sees an important role for advisors here: by explicitly including social value in investment decisions and valuations, a fuller picture emerges of the true worth of real estate.

Small gestures, big impact

The key takeaway from this episode? Social value often lies in surprisingly small interventions: a park that always remains open, a restaurant that brings residents and employees together, or an office that transforms into a rehearsal space in the evenings. In this way, a building becomes not just a place to work or live, but a vibrant part of the city – and at the same time, an investment that is more resilient over time.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of No Stone Unturned on your favourite podcast platform, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts.