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Both ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø, the municipality of Roermond and the central Limburg region are facing a number of challenges. By sharing these with each other and making smart connections, a number of these tasks and challenges can be tackled together. For example, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø has a strong need for student housing for the growing number of students, and Roermond has been looking for years for opportunities to connect students to the city and the Roermond industry. The municipality of Roermond also wants to retain young people for the city. In addition, the municipality of Roermond has also been looking for a suitable use for the Godsweerdersingel 10 building for a number of years.

Alderman Dirk Franssen: Settling students is very important for the economic development of Roermond, both in the short and longer term. The presence of students and young people gives extra dynamism and brings excitement to the city, especially from this prominent location. It is precisely ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø master's students and young researchers who make it possible to make the connection with our industry. And of course, after more than 10 years of vacancy, there will also be a qualitative use for the building that has been owned by the municipality since 2017.

Eindhoven University of Technology is growing rapidly and there is a major shortage of student housing in Eindhoven. Roermond is a beautiful city just half an hour away by train, says Patrick Groothuis, vice-president of the Executive Board of Eindhoven University of Technology. For many students and young researchers, this will be an attractive option. We also hope that with our collaboration we will also stimulate the ecosystem of the Roermond region and set up new collaborations.

The parties aim to bring high-tech talent into contact with the city and the region. The fact that the initiative offers great opportunities for the local and regional business community is endorsed by the management of large Roermond companies such as Rockwool, Smurfit Westrock and SIF. The companies like to make the connection with ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø and other educational institutions to start and carry out student projects and research together. Connecting ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø to the region in this way offers opportunities to further flesh out the innovation agenda of the province of Limburg.

Alderman Aijitha Loganathan: It is precisely through the combination of studios for students and housing units for Roermond starters that the need can be optimally met. This includes 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 would be great if we could preserve them for the city by offering them suitable housing here at the start of their student careers.

The municipality of Roermond and ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø see the development of Godsweerdersingel 10 as a first step and intend to start several such projects. The aim is to realize affordable housing in the relatively short term, both for students and young researchers at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø. The initiative therefore fits in perfectly with the broader ambitions that Roermond has on this theme. Housing is also being realized for Roermond starters. The building, which is located right next to the train and bus station, is good for just under a hundred residential units.

At the time the exploration is put into practice, the municipality of Roermond and ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø will not be developing and managing the housing themselves. To this end, contact was made with the three Roermond housing corporations (Wonen Limburg, Wonen Zuid and Nester). In good consultation, the three housing corporations put forward Nester as the intended developer.

Harrie Oosterlee, director of Nester: This is an important first step to help young people and students find their own, affordable place more quickly. We not only want to create 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.

ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø, the municipality of Roermond and Nester hope to be able to reach a joint decision on the development as soon as possible. A first conclusion about the feasibility of the development should be ready before the summer.