Gelderland highlights innovative housing solutions during Stevensloop weekend
This weekend, Gelderland province uses the Stevensloop event to spotlight creative solutions to the housing crisis. Participants will run through a soon-to-be residential building, showcasing how repurposing existing structures can help tackle the shortage faster and more sustainably.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Stevensloop weekend (March 14-15, 2026) |
| Location | Nijmegen, Gelderland |
| Highlighted Building | Molenpoortpassage (center of Nijmegen, future residential designation) |
| Campaign | Better Utilization of Existing Buildings |
| Sponsor | Province of Gelderland |
| Event Organizer | Stichting Zevenheuvelenloop |
| Goal | Faster, affordable housing; reduced vacancy; sustainable space use |
The Province of Gelderland plays a key role in regional housing policy, focusing on sustainable development and addressing the housing shortage. By partnering with local events like the Stevensloop, the province raises awareness about innovative solutions such as repurposing existing buildings to meet housing demands.
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Attention for better utilization of existing buildings during Stevensloop
During the Stevensloop weekend on March 14 and 15, 2026, together with the organization of the Stevensloop, we bring the provincial campaign Better Utilization of Existing Buildings to the attention of participants. With this, we ask for attention to the idea that the housing shortage cannot be solved with new construction alone.
Extra attention for social themes
We are a sponsor of the Stevensloop. By entering into a sponsorship agreement with this event and a series of other sports events, we reach a broad audience. This way, we can bring social themes extra attention.
New feature: route through the Molenpoortpassage
During the sold-out Stevenscross on Saturday evening, March 14, 2026, participants will this year run through the Molenpoortpassage. The location of this building in the center of Nijmegen will get a residential designation. By making the building part of the route, we jointly draw attention to the smart use of existing buildings.
Homes of tomorrow in buildings of today
The homes of tomorrow are in the buildings of today. By making better use of what is already there, we create extra homes faster, reduce vacancy, and also strengthen livability and the economy.
Dirk VreugdenhilProvince of Gelderland
Don't run past existing buildings
With the Better Utilization of Existing Buildings campaign, we show that part of the solution to the housing shortage is already around us. Existing homes and buildings can be better utilized by splitting them, topping them up, or transforming them. In addition to municipalities and organizations, participants of the Stevensloop are also invited this weekend to look at existing buildings with different eyes and seize these opportunities.
“The Stevensloop is more than a running event; it is a way to experience the city. The fact that we are running through the Molenpoortpassage this year is a nice addition. We find it valuable to show together with the province how existing buildings get a new future. It fits with our ambition to bring social themes to the attention with sports.” according to Alexander Vandevelde, director Stichting Zevenheuvelenloop.
Want to know more about the Better Utilization of Existing Buildings campaign?
The housing shortage calls for smart choices. By better utilizing existing buildings, we create affordable homes faster, prevent vacancy, and use space more sustainably. Appropriate housing strengthens neighborhoods, keeps facilities alive, and helps with tasks such as care and combating loneliness.