The Eindhoven City Council has officially triggered a new “growth phase” for the region’s tech sector. In a final vote on Tuesday evening, councillors granted chip machine manufacturer ASML permission to expand at the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC). This landmark decision enables critical environmental zoning adjustments and the relocation of several major roads.
A new campus and the “Brainport Line”
The expansion will take place at BIC Noord, located near the intersection of the A58 and A2/N2 motorways. To support the thousands of new daily commuters, the council also approved a suite of mobility projects. The Brainport Line: A high-quality public transport network developed with the Province of Noord-Brabant and the municipalities of Best, Oirschot, and Veldhoven. The widening of the Spottersweg and the construction of a new underpass at the A58 to facilitate a dedicated bus lane.
Concerns over “unprecedented growth”
While the infrastructure funding received unanimous support, the broader zoning plan passed by a margin of 38-3. The Socialist Party (SP) voted against the move, with spokesperson Jannie Visscher arguing that “unprecedented growth” should not come at the expense of current residents. Other parties expressed similar concerns about the region’s social balance as an additional 20,000 highly skilled workers arrive. Though the VVD voted in favour of the motion, they are concerned about several “loose ends”. VVD councillor Cecile Bergrijk stated that VVD will closely monitor the municipality’s ongoing discussions with local stakeholders.
Land acquisition and next steps
The city has secured a “legal lever” to acquire necessary plots of land. While six landowners have already accepted offers, the council has authorised legal action to require the remaining three to sell through the courts.
ASML aims to have its first 5,000 employees working at the new campus by 2028, with a long-term goal of 20,000 employees. Groundbreaking is expected to begin this month, with construction of the first buildings starting after the summer.
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