During the planning period, particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening the municipality’s role as an attractive place of residence. In practice, this requires the provision of employment and educational opportunities, as well as attractive residential areas and high-quality public services – conditions that are supported through spatial planning.
Urban development in the coming years will primarily be concentrated in the principal town of Aasiaat, and to a lesser extent in the other towns and settlements. Municipal Plan 2018–2030 does not include any significant new land designations; the revisions primarily consist of adjustments and refinements to existing sub-areas and their designated uses.
The development pattern is expected to focus more on urban regeneration than on new urban expansion, for example in connection with replacement housing and the renewal or demolition of worn-out residential buildings. A major challenge in the settlements is to maintain a level of employment capable of sustaining a viable local economy. The strategic focus is therefore to support employment based on the specific strengths and potentials of each individual community. A positive development in employment levels will naturally generate a need for further urban development, including new residential construction, which is expected to be accommodated within the existing residential areas.
Overall, the total development capacity within the municipality’s towns and settlements corresponds to approximately 2,600 dwellings. In addition, there is development capacity allocated for centre functions and similar shared or community facilities.