The agreements with the local council – for example, regarding the number of homes and the spatial planning conditions – have now been finalised and approved by the council executive. Portaal is now commencing the planning permission process. This is necessary because the zoning in the local development plan must be changed from ‘commercial’ to ‘residential’.

Eveline Keizer, Director of Property at Portaal: ‘Here we are building over 200 homes, with amenities at ground level, in an attractive location close to the Lunetten shopping centre and Lunetten station. In this way, we are creating a lovely new place to live for those looking for a home in Utrecht. A green and pleasant residential area will soon be created on a site that is currently still under construction and largely paved.’

Marien Kleinjan, Director of Development at AM: ‘We are creating affordable rental homes here in an easily accessible part of Utrecht. Thanks to the collaboration between Portaal, the City of Utrecht, AM and BAM, we can make rapid progress at a site where social and mid-range rental homes are desperately needed. The fact that Portaal is making its own office site available for this purpose demonstrates just how much urgency and ambition there is to make affordable housing a reality.’

The office building is expected to be demolished in 2028, so that construction of the new homes can begin by the end of 2028. Portaal staff currently working there will move to the head office on Beneluxlaan in Utrecht. The warehouse and workshop will move to Nieuwegein.