Eindhoven University Partners with City to Build 750 Student Housing Units by 2028
Eindhoven, Friday, 27 February 2026.
Eindhoven University of Technology and the city announced plans to develop at least 750 affordable student housing units at Sportpark De Hondsheuvels, targeting completion by 2028. The project addresses critical housing shortages threatening the Netherlands’ leading tech hub’s ability to attract international talent. The development requires relocating soccer fields and eliminating a golf course, with the university launching a public tender within weeks to select a developer under a 15-year land lease arrangement.
Strategic Response to Regional Housing Crisis
The announcement came during a press event on February 27, 2026, as TU/e Vice President Patrick Groothuis emphasized the critical nature of affordable housing for student development [1][2]. The project represents a direct response to what has become one of the most significant barriers to attracting and retaining talent in the Brainport region, which forms the backbone of the Netherlands’ technology sector [GPT]. According to Groothuis, finding affordable housing and living independently constitutes an essential step in young people’s development, while the region’s economic strength depends on its ability to attract the talent that underpins Brainport’s future [1][2]. The development will be situated at Sportpark De Hondsheuvels on the north side of Onze Lieve Vrouwestraat in Eindhoven, currently home to soccer fields belonging to OSVV, Pusphaira, Rust Roest, and Woenselse Boys, as well as a golf course and driving range managed by Stichting Golfcentrum Eindhoven and E.S.G.V. De Club [1].
Sports Infrastructure Modernization Plans
The housing development necessitates significant changes to existing sports facilities, with two soccer fields being relocated toward Orpheuslaan and converted to artificial turf [1][3]. The existing practice fields will also undergo conversion to artificial turf, bringing the total number of full-sized artificial turf fields to six [1][3]. This expansion will substantially increase playing capacity, with total playable hours rising from 4,400 to 7,200 per year—an increase of 63.636 percent [1][3]. However, the golf facilities face elimination, prompting TU/e to arrange alternative accommodations with Golf & Countryclub De Tongelreep for student members of E.S.G.V. De Club [1][3]. Members of Stichting Golfcentrum Eindhoven will need to find alternative playing locations, though the Municipality is exploring possible solutions for these affected users [1].
Financial Structure and Government Support
The project benefits from a €1.2 million contribution from the national government through the RHA 2025 subsidy scheme [1][3]. TU/e owns the land at De Hondsheuvels but is legally prohibited from investing directly in student housing infrastructure [1]. Instead, the university will make the land available through a 15-year lease arrangement with an extension option, launching a public tender within weeks of February 26, 2026, to select a market party for construction and operation [1][2]. The tender conditions emphasize affordable student housing, high-quality living environments, quality shared facilities, meeting spaces, and professional property management [1]. The Municipality will establish agreements with the selected developer regarding necessary environmental plan amendments to facilitate the project [1][3].
Broader Housing Capacity Goals
According to TU/e Vice President Patrick Groothuis, the university can accommodate nearly 2,300 students across its campus grounds through various housing initiatives [1]. Alderman Mieke Verhees noted that the De Hondsheuvels development represents an exceptional opportunity to add substantial student housing capacity on TU/e grounds while preserving sports facilities for the growing city [1][3]. The broader municipal strategy aims to provide housing for more than 2,500 students through multiple projects, including the Haven development, the VB building, and student housing on Dorgelolaan [1][3]. Additionally, TU/e, the Municipality, and Hajraa are actively seeking a new location for the annual grass volleyball tournament, preferably near campus, though the 2026 tournament will still occur at its current location [1][3]. This comprehensive approach reflects the urgent need to address housing shortages that have become a significant constraint on the region’s ability to maintain its position as a leading European technology hub [GPT].