About 15,000 new houses in Helmond, of which 10,000 in and around the center, before the year 2040. It sounded like the answer to the housing shortage. The first stones have been laid, but now the large-scale construction plan is in danger of failing.
Helmond is one of the new large-scale housing construction locations designated by the government. “With support from the national government, we can accelerate the construction of new houses and make the city more attractive,” the municipality told Omroep Brabant on July 11. The plan was to significantly expand the center with 5,000 homes within ten years.
There is no money for roads
But building houses also requires a good plan for mobility, such as building new roads or improving existing roads. And Helmond has not received any money for this from the government. “And that is super important to take with you,” says councilor Gaby van den Waardenburg.
“We are asking for 98 million from the government. That is not only intended for the center, but also for the eastern ring road. We try to direct traffic around the center as much as possible. We have a commitment from the province, but nothing comes from the government,” says the councilor.
Construction is in danger of coming to a standstill
The lack of that money means that construction comes to a standstill. “Around a thousand homes can be built, but four thousand will be very difficult. That’s a shame,” says Van den Waardenburg.
To prevent this, Helmond, together with three other growing municipalities where construction is going to take place, has sent an urgent letter to The Hague. The House of Representatives will discuss the Infrastructure budget.