Major quality boost for Heerlen-North: final 1,500 new homes and millions invested in livability

The agreements are a solid boost for Heerlen-North. Between 2025 and 2030, construction of at least 1,500 homes will start here. These plans are in line with Parkstad's ambition to build 5,000 homes by 2030. The signed agreements reaffirm the growth ambition of our region. We are thus definitively closing the shrinkage period.

Alderman Casper Gelderblom is very pleased with this result, which fits into a series of successful Heerlen and Parkstad lobbying efforts around public housing in recent years. 

"This multi-million dollar investment feels like a breakthrough for everything we have been fighting for in Heerlen-North in recent years, together with residents and partners. We are building on our growth ambition with new, high-quality homes while at the same time investing in livability, facilities, and organizational strength. This is social and sustainable building the future of our city."

Millions invested in housing quality, living environment and capacity

The total government contribution to Heerlen-North is between 19.6 and 22.3 million euros. This depends on the total number of homes we realize in time. A portion becomes available through the "Realization Incentive. A scheme where the contribution follows the moment the construction of a home has started. In addition to this variable amount, the municipality receives 14.3 million euros to pay for the preconditions for housing construction. Such as investments in public space, social facilities and strengthening the municipal organization to implement the new housing course. The 4 million for administrative power we invest in improving prioritized housing projects and in the implementation of the policy Grip op Wonen. With this policy, Heerlen has been fighting abuses in the housing market and increasing the quality of life in neighborhoods for several years.

Districts with balance

The new investments make it possible to continue building a healthy mix of housing types, in line with the direction of the New Heerlen Housing Fundament. The city council adopted this at the beginning of the year. Heerlen consciously chooses the principle of "mixing without crowding out": adding housing for middle and higher income groups in Heerlen-North, without pushing lower-income residents out of the district. By also continuing to build social rental and affordable housing throughout the city and region, the housing stock will remain well balanced.

Working together

The plans are part of the National Livability and Safety Program (NPLV). The national government is thus committed to improving opportunities, safety and livability in vulnerable areas. In Heerlen this is done through the National Program Heerlen-North, in which the municipality, the state and local partners work together to structurally strengthen the area. Barry Braeken, director of housing corporation Weller and the National Program Heerlen-North is therefore enthusiastic about this impulse. 

"The Woontop agreements make an important contribution to the social catch-up of the city and region. These government funds not only help us to add housing, but more importantly to increase the resilience and quality of Heerlen-North." 

Brunssum Alderman Jaimy van Dijk, chairman of Parkstad's Executive Committee on Housing & Restructuring, is also pleased. "These agreements underline how important it is that we act together as a region. Building 5,000 homes until 2030 is not only good for Heerlen, but also for all of Parkstad. More housing means more opportunities for our residents and for a future-proof region."