Chip machine manufacturer ASML in Veldhoven not only makes machines, but since this year it has also been intensively involved in the construction of homes in the region. On Thursday, the company announced that four new construction projects in Helmond, Eindhoven and Veldhoven will receive several million to realize them. This concerns 1085 homes. Earlier this year, financial support was promised for two other projects in Eindhoven and Veldhoven.
The company will not build neighborhoods itself, but will provide financial support to loss-making construction projects. Construction would otherwise not be able to start.
A few years ago the ambition was to have 500 homes built with the support of ASML. That number was soon increased to ‘thousands of homes per year’. ASML’s ambition is now to provide financial support for the construction of 25,000 homes in the region.
The start was made in February of this year with the announcement of 130 apartments in Veldhoven and almost 250 social rental apartments in the center of Eindhoven. After that there was a long silence, although the company still wants to add 1,500 homes per year over the next fifteen years. With the announcement of more than a thousand homes on Thursday, this target will still be achieved this year.
There is a reason why the company is now also involved in residential construction. “The high-tech industry has experienced significant growth in the region,” says ASML project leader Frieda Rikkers. “ASML is a major player in this. With growth also comes a lot of responsibility.”
Homes up to 390,000 euros
ASML emphasizes that the homes are not for its own staff. The target group is different. “Consider, for example, a school teacher, police officer or people in healthcare,” says ASML project leader Rikkers. “These are people who earn a nice salary. Especially with current house prices, it is often not always easy for them to find a home. We think It is just very important that everyone here in the region has a nice roof over their head.”
ASML wants to support housing projects in the 21 municipalities of the Brainport region. These are projects that largely consist of affordable rental and owner-occupied homes. Affordable means social rent up to 880 euros and rental properties up to more than 1100 euros. This year, affordable owner-occupied homes include homes up to and including 390,000 euros.
Projects that ASML announced on Thursday that it will support:
1. Project Zuidrand in Helmond
This project will add 104 apartments in the center of Helmond. Construction work will start in March 2025 and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
2. Graceful Ladies in Eindhoven. The project consists of two residential towers, with a total of 276 apartments on Strijp-S. Construction is scheduled to start in mid-2025. The project is expected to be completed in early 2029.
3. INCK in Eindhoven. A total of 400 homes are being built on Humperdincklaan in Eindhoven. Construction is scheduled to start in early 2027 and the total construction work will take approximately two to three years.
4. Project Djept in Veldhoven. This is what it’s all about nine apartment buildings with 305 homes. Construction is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The first homes are expected to be ready at the end of 2026.