Eindhoven plans to acquire Brainport Industries Campus

The municipality of Eindhoven intends to purchase the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC), which houses high-tech companies and educational institutions in the northwest of the city. A purchase agreement has been reached with the current owner and will be presented to the city council next month.

The acquisition involves the section known as BIC 1, completed in 2019, where approximately 2,500 people work and study. The deal includes the existing building of about 105,000 square meters, surrounding public spaces, a parking garage, and contracts of roughly forty tenants.

Eindhoven aims to have control over the development of the campus to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem and safeguard public functions. The campus was sold in 2020 to British investment firm Capreon for €130 million.

Eindhoven alderman Stijn Steenbakkers stated the campus would benefit from local government ownership in the long run. The city seeks more influence over tenant selection, favoring startups and educational institutions, which are financially vulnerable.

Eindhoven also wants to reduce foreign influence on technology development sites. In 2021, the local High Tech Campus was sold to Singapore’s GIC.

The city considers Brainport vital economic infrastructure and plans to advance its development, especially for ASML’s expansion needs. The deal’s financial details exceed the previous €130 million sale, and Eindhoven plans to finance the purchase with its own funds and loans.

The municipality calls it a “solid business case,” with rental income covering costs.

Source: NOS

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