Roermond and Eindhoven University of Technology join forces to tackle housing shortage for students and starters
Roermond and Eindhoven University of Technology are teaming up to address student housing shortages and retain young talent in the region. A vacant tax office building may soon be transformed into affordable housing for students and young professionals, benefiting both the city and local businesses.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties Involved | Municipality of Roermond, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) |
| Potential Project | Conversion of former tax office at Godsweerdersingel 10 |
| Target Groups | Students, young researchers, and Roermond starters |
| Estimated Housing Units | Approximately 100 |
| Project Timeline | Feasibility conclusion expected before summer 2026; potential completion by 2027 |
| Developer | Housing corporation Nester |
| Location Benefits | Directly next to Roermond’s train and bus station |
| Regional Impact | Connects high-tech talent with local businesses and boosts innovation |
The Municipality of Roermond is responsible for urban development, housing policies, and economic growth within the city. Eindhoven University of Technology plays a key role in fostering innovation and talent development, often collaborating with regional governments to address societal challenges like housing shortages.
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Municipality of Roermond and Eindhoven University of Technology explore collaboration
The Municipality of Roermond and Eindhoven University of Technology are exploring collaboration in the areas of student housing and connecting with the ecosystem of Roermond as the central city in the region. An initial project could potentially be ready as early as 2027: the former tax office at Godsweerdersingel 10 may be converted into housing for students and starters.
Both Eindhoven University of Technology and the Municipality of Roermond, along with the Midden-Limburg region, face several challenges. By sharing these and creating smart connections, some of these challenges can be addressed together. Eindhoven University of Technology has a great need for student housing due to the growing number of students, and Roermond has been looking for years to connect students with the city and the local business community. The Municipality of Roermond also wants to retain young people in the city. Additionally, the Municipality of Roermond has been looking for a suitable use for the Godsweerdersingel 10 building, which was purchased for the development of the bus station.
Alderman Dirk Franssen (economy, urban development, and finance): “Attracting students is very important for the economic development of Roermond, both in the short and long term. The presence of students and young people brings extra dynamism and vitality to the city, especially from this prominent location. Especially TU/e master's students and young researchers make it possible to connect with our business community. And of course, this also provides a qualitative use for the building that has been vacant for over 10 years and has been municipal property since 2017.”
“Eindhoven University of Technology is growing rapidly, and there is a significant shortage of student housing in Eindhoven. Roermond is a beautiful city just half an hour away by train,” says Patrick Groothuis, vice-chair of the Executive Board of Eindhoven University of Technology. “For many students and young researchers, this will be an attractive solution. We hope that with our collaboration, we can also stimulate the ecosystem of the Roermond region and establish new partnerships.”
Connecting high-tech talent with the city and region
The parties aim to bring high-tech talent into contact with the city and the region. The initiative offers great opportunities for local and regional businesses, as endorsed by the management of large Roermond companies such as Rockwool, Smurfit Westrock, and SIF. The companies are eager to connect with Eindhoven University of Technology and other educational institutions to start and execute student projects and research. Connecting Eindhoven University of Technology with the region in this way offers opportunities to further implement the “innovation agenda” of the province of Limburg.
Alderman Aijiththan Loganathan (housing, climate, and sustainability): “By combining studios for students and housing units for Roermond starters, we can optimally meet the demand. Think also of Roermond students who want to leave their parental home to study elsewhere but still want to stay in Roermond or simply cannot find a room elsewhere. It's great if we can retain them for the city by offering them suitable housing at the start of their student career.”
The Municipality of Roermond and Eindhoven University of Technology see the development of Godsweerdersingel 10 as a first step and intend to start several such projects. The goal is to realize affordable housing in the short term, both for students and young researchers of Eindhoven University of Technology. The initiative thus perfectly aligns with the broader ambitions that Roermond has on this topic. Housing is also realized for Roermond starters. The building, located directly next to the train and bus station, is suitable for about a hundred housing units.
Housing corporation Nester as intended developer
At the moment the exploration is being concretized, the Municipality of Roermond and Eindhoven University of Technology do not develop and manage the housing themselves. For this purpose, contact has been made with the three Roermond housing corporations (Wonen Limburg, Wonen Zuid, and Nester). In good consultation, Nester has been put forward by the three housing corporations as the intended developer.
Harrie Oosterlee, board member of Nester: “This is an important first step to help young people and students find their own, affordable place faster. We not only want to realize independent living spaces here, but also create an environment where meeting is a matter of course and starters can develop and feel at home in Roermond.”
Eindhoven University of Technology, the Municipality of Roermond, and Nester hope to reach a joint decision on the development as soon as possible. An initial conclusion about the feasibility of the development must be ready before the summer.