Utrecht will receive 22.1 million euros from the government for three projects through the Housing Development Incentive. This means that all three projects applied for for this subsidy have also been awarded. This concerns a total of almost 4,000 homes, of which more than 2,400 are affordable (social rental homes, mid-range rental homes and owner-occupied homes up to the NHG limit).
Councilor Eelco Eerenberg (Spatial Planning): “I am extremely pleased that all projects for which we are currently applying for a subsidy are receiving this enormous boost. In our Utrecht approach, we have been taking measures for some time to keep housing construction up to standard, and this also includes a strong lobby towards the government. The fact that, after the 19 million euro start-up construction impulse in November, this has resulted in more than 22 million euros for Beurskwartier, Zuilense Vecht and Galgenwaard is fantastic news for these projects, the city as a whole and in particular all home seekers.”
The government’s housing construction incentive has been paid out in several rounds. This time it was the sixth and final round to submit an application. For the various projects, this means a contribution of 13.5 million euros for Beurskwartier, 1.8 million euros for Zuilense Vecht and 6.8 million euros for Galgenwaard. Eligible projects must, among other things, have at least 200 homes and consist of at least half affordable housing. The project also had to have a demonstrable public financial deficit. The contribution from the Housing Development Impulse amounts to a maximum of 50% of the public financial deficit and the other 50% is covered by the municipality.
The Utrecht Approach
There is a major housing shortage in Utrecht and the pressure on the housing market will remain high in the coming years. There is a great need to create more suitable homes in Utrecht for vulnerable and special target groups and other home seekers. Unfortunately, new home construction is happening less quickly than the municipality would like. The municipality has therefore been taking measures since the beginning of 2023 to keep housing construction up to standard: the Utrecht approach. Project-oriented measures are taken that lead to the smooth running of the project for specific projects (customization). The approach is aimed at affordable housing and there must be reciprocity.
“The WBI subsidy ensures that, together with the Utrecht approach, we can give a large number of homes a huge boost to continue to accelerate housing production with facilities. The large percentage of affordable homes in particular makes a positive contribution to our objectives. But I also call on the government to make instruments such as the Housing Building Incentive, Start Building Incentive or similar schemes structurally possible for municipalities. Only in this way can we cope with stagnating housing construction nationally and regionally.”
Awarded projects
Stock Exchange Quarter
At least 2,500 homes have been programmed in the Beurskwartier, of which approximately 975 social homes, 250 mid-range rental, 375 affordable owner-occupied homes and further homes in the other category, together with various other (social) functions. In addition to homes, the area will also have places to work, education, catering and two parks.
Zuilense Vecht
The municipalities of Utrecht and Stichtse Vecht are working together to improve the area between Stichtse Vecht and Utrecht with outdated, monofunctional and not publicly accessible sports parks. In the Utrecht part, the sports park will be renovated and made more sustainable and 300 homes will be built, of which 105 are social rental homes, 39 mid-rental homes, 69 affordable homes and 87 in the private sector.
Galgenwaard
In this project, the municipality is working with three parties (including the stadium owner) on the renewal and redevelopment of Galgenwaard and the immediate surroundings. The Galgenwaard stadium park will contain 990 homes and between 30,000 – 40,000 m² of work/facilities. The program consists of: 339 social rental homes, 250 mid-rental homes, 401 private sector homes. In addition, the area is being greened.
Tags: million homes Beurskwartier Zuilense Vecht Galgenwaard
