Spatial knock-on effects of area-based urban policies:

Nowadays, an area-based approach seems to be common for urban policies in Western Europe. Policies are directed towards spatially defined areas in order to be more efficient in solving problems in cities. Yet, besides solving problems in the targeted area, an area-based approach has an in-built danger: it might lead to a displacement of problems. This so-called spatial knock-on effect is an effect of an area-based policy for other areas then the ones involved in the policy. Especially in the field of urban restructuring, spatial knock-on effects might be expected. In order to learn more about the effectiveness of area-based urban policies, spatial knock-on effects should be more central. In this paper we therefore take a closer look at spatial knock-on effects. On the basis of a case study in the Dutch city of Utrecht we analyse the following questions: In which way can spatial knock-on effects be observed as a result of area-based urban restructuring policies according to policy makers? What is the geographical dispersal pattern of those who are forced to move as a consequence of urban restructuring and how do policy makers explain these dispersal patterns? In which way do policy makers try to prevent spatial knock-on effects? In this paper the focus is on the perception of policy makers. Their opinion is important because they are the ones who define the policies and are thus at least partially responsible for the emergence of spatial knock-on effects.