Could be next to Spar
Larger supermarket at USP only viable from 2028 onwards
The Spar supermarkt at USP. Photo: DUB
At present, there are reportedly too few customers to justify a larger supermarket at Utrecht Science Park (USP). This is one of the conclusions of a study commissioned by Utrecht University (UU) and the Municipality of Utrecht. Two external consultancy firms investigated the feasibility of a larger supermarket.
Almost 4,000 people live at USP right now, including the ones who have moved into the recently inaugurated High Five complex. UU and the municipality expect the number of residents to rise to 7,000 by 2040, which means that a larger supermarket could be feasible from 2028 onwards.
Expensive groceries
For years, residents have been complaining about Spar's limited range and high prices. Almost the entire Utrecht City Council echoed this criticism in 2022. The council felt that it was taking too long, so last year, it passed a motion urging the city administration to ensure a larger supermarket was established. However, Utrecht University owns the area and therefore controls the facilities on campus.
The new study also concludes that the current Spar, with its "to-go" approach, is inadequate for those living on campus. According to the study, the ideal solution would be having two supermarkets at USP: one that would be more of a convenience store, such as the current Spar, for students and staff looking to grab a quick snack; and a larger one aimed at people living on campus.
Temporary solution
The university and municipality's joint plans account for the demolition and new construction of the Langeveld building, which houses Spar. The demolition will begin in 2028 at the earliest. A larger supermarket is expected to be built at USP from 2032 onwards. Because a larger supermarket will already be needed before then, the researchers recommend establishing a larger, temporary supermarket for 2028–2032.
This temporary supermarket could either replace Spar or operate alongside it. However, a temporary solution is “only of interest to operators if they also have guarantees” that the outlet will be allowed to remain permanently from 2032.
Utrecht University is currently considering its next steps in response to the study.
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