Greyfields: Environmental Impact And Pollution Risks

Greyfields are large abandoned commercial or retail sites, such as shopping centres, strip malls, and big-box stores. Unlike brownfields, greyfields are not necessarily contaminated, which makes them attractive candidates for redevelopment projects. Greyfield sites are often privately owned, and municipalities may need to work with property owners to market and redevelop their sites. The redevelopment of greyfield sites can prevent the consumption of additional greenfield space, create jobs, and increase retail demand. However, there are concerns about the potential impact on the environment and natural ecosystems. To address these concerns, developers need to perform an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to identify any contamination and ensure that redevelopment plans are compatible with the existing area.

Do greyfields pollute the environment?

Greyfields are not necessarily contaminated

Greyfields are large structures, such as shopping malls or commercial facilities, that have been abandoned. They are typically found in established residential neighbourhoods and commercial districts. Unlike brownfields, greyfields are not necessarily contaminated, which makes them attractive candidates for redevelopment projects. Greyfields are often privately owned, and municipalities may need to work with property owners to market and redevelop their sites.

Redeveloping greyfield sites can bring about broader community renewal and prevent the consumption of additional greenfield space. It can also boost local employment, create jobs, and revitalise the surrounding area. Before redeveloping a greyfield site, an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) should be performed to determine the presence of any contamination and avoid liability issues.

The UK government has recognised the potential of greyfield development, coining the phrase “grey belt” to describe pockets of land in the green belt that could be reclassified for development. Grey belt sites are typically land that has been previously developed but has become underutilised, obsolete, or outdated.

Greyfield redevelopment can be challenging, as it requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders and the creation of a common goal and vision for urban regeneration. However, with proper planning and collaboration, greyfield sites can be successfully transformed into thriving communities.

Greyfields are sites with existing commercial development and public utilities

Greyfields are large structures, such as shopping malls or commercial facilities, that have been abandoned. They are sites with existing commercial development and public utilities that have become obsolete, outdated, or underutilized over time. Greyfields are often privately owned and are usually located in established residential neighbourhoods and commercial districts. Unlike brownfields, greyfields are not necessarily contaminated, making them attractive candidates for redevelopment projects aiming to revitalize the surrounding community.

Redeveloping greyfield sites offers several benefits. Firstly, it prevents the consumption of additional greenfield space by reusing the infrastructure of obsolete, non-productive urban sites for high-density residential and mixed commercial use. This provides increased property tax revenue for local governments and an improved environment for residents. Secondly, the construction and redevelopment of greyfield sites create jobs for the local community, including construction work and temporary and permanent employment in retail and residential property management. Thirdly, greyfield sites have the potential to increase retail demand due to their prime locations, offering unique opportunities for mixed-use principles related to zoning, housing, urban design, and public services.

When considering greyfield redevelopment, municipalities should ensure that the plans are compatible with the existing area. For example, the original community-level shopping centre in Chesterbrook was redeveloped into a neighbourhood shopping centre and townhouse development called Parkview at Chesterbrook. At the Exton Square Mall, the old Kmart site was transformed into a Whole Foods grocery store and an apartment building.

Before initiating greyfield development projects, stakeholders must understand that the point of redeveloping an abandoned site is to put the property back into use effectively. Redevelopment plans should have an end use that fits the site's conditions rather than simply recreating the site's previous use. The success of greyfield redevelopment lies in how its reuse can bring about broader community renewal.

To ensure environmental due diligence for greyfield sites, developers must perform an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to avoid liability issues and regulatory uncertainty in the later stages of the project. An ESA is critical in determining the presence of contamination from adjoining properties, and if hazards or contaminants are uncovered, remediation funding may be available.

Greyfield redevelopment creates jobs for the local community

Greyfields are typically abandoned or underutilised commercial or retail sites, such as shopping centres, strip malls, and big-box stores. Unlike brownfields, greyfields are not necessarily contaminated, making them attractive candidates for redevelopment. Redeveloping these sites can bring about broader community renewal and revitalisation.

Greyfield redevelopment can create both temporary and permanent jobs for the local community. This includes construction work, as well as employment in retail, residential property management, and light industrial facilities. For example, the redevelopment of a former Lukens Steel office building in Pennsylvania into an innovation centre is expected to create both temporary construction jobs and permanent positions.

The construction and redevelopment of greyfield sites can spur economic growth and improve the quality of life in neighbouring communities. For instance, the ReVenture Park project in Charlotte is estimated to generate over $900 million in new investment and create more than 1,100 "green collar" jobs.

Greyfield sites often have large parking lots, allowing for denser redevelopment than the original structure. They usually already have existing utility and transportation infrastructure, reducing public costs and providing opportunities for mixed-use development, such as retail, residential, and office spaces.

To realise the benefits of greyfield redevelopment, it is important that redevelopment plans fit the site's conditions and the needs of the local community. Municipalities can assist by proactively marketing greyfield sites, creating flexible zoning policies, providing financial incentives, and ensuring efficient review processes.

Greyfield sites are usually privately owned

Greyfield sites are typically privately owned. They are defined as large, abandoned commercial or retail spaces, such as shopping centres, malls, and big-box stores. Unlike brownfields, greyfields are not necessarily contaminated, making them attractive candidates for redevelopment projects. Greyfields occur due to various reasons, such as changing market demand, decreased buying power in nearby areas, changes in consumer habits, lack of investment, or outdated architecture.

Redeveloping greyfield sites offers several benefits. Firstly, it prevents the consumption of additional greenfield spaces, as reusing the infrastructure of obsolete urban sites can provide increased property tax revenue for local governments and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for residents. Secondly, the construction and redevelopment of greyfield sites boost local employment, not only in construction but also in retail, residential property management, and other sectors. This economic development can further enhance the quality of life in neighbouring communities.

Before redeveloping a greyfield site, an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is necessary to ensure environmental due diligence and avoid liability issues. This assessment is crucial in determining the presence of contamination from adjoining properties, and if hazards are found, remediation funding may be available.

The redevelopment of greyfield sites should aim for a compatible end use that fits the site's conditions and the surrounding area. For example, the original community shopping centre in Chesterbrook was redeveloped into a neighbourhood shopping centre and townhouse development known as Parkview at Chesterbrook.

In conclusion, greyfield sites, which are usually privately owned, present unique opportunities for redevelopment that can bring about community renewal, boost local economies, and revitalise underutilised spaces without necessarily dealing with contamination issues.

Greyfield sites are susceptible to becoming vacant due to changing market demands

Greyfield sites are large structures such as shopping malls, commercial facilities, or retail sites that have been abandoned after a period of disinvestment. They are often privately owned and become vacant due to changing market demands, decreased buying power in nearby areas, changes in consumer buying habits, a lack of investment by property owners, or architecture that no longer meets market demands. Suburban shopping centres, malls, big-box stores, and historic storefronts are especially susceptible to becoming greyfields as their special layouts and locations might not meet current trends and market demands.

Greyfield sites are not necessarily contaminated, which makes them attractive candidates for redevelopment projects seeking to revitalise the surrounding community. The redevelopment of greyfield sites can bring about broader community renewal and prevent the consumption of additional greenfield space. It also provides increased property tax to local governments and a more pleasant environment for residents.

To ensure the successful redevelopment of greyfield sites, municipalities should collaborate with property owners to market and redevelop their sites. For example, the original community-level shopping centre in Chesterbrook was redeveloped into a neighbourhood shopping centre and townhouse development known as Parkview at Chesterbrook. The redevelopment plans should have an end use that fits the site's conditions and the needs of the existing area.

Before beginning a redevelopment project, it is essential to conduct an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to avoid liability issues and regulatory uncertainty. An ESA is critical in determining the presence of any contamination from adjoining properties. If hazards or contaminants are uncovered, remediation funding may be available, and working with experts can help adapt to these issues.

Frequently asked questions