The municipality of Eindhoven wants to take over Brainport Industries Campus (BIC). It wants to be able to better direct the development of the campus. According to the municipality, this is important for the future of Eindhoven, the Brainport region and the Netherlands.
BIC is an important link in Brainport Eindhoven's innovation ecosystem. High-tech manufacturing companies, entrepreneurs and education come together on the campus. BIC 1 offers space for some 2,000 jobs and around 500 students.
In full development
The campus is in full development. Last summer, for instance, the zoning plan for BIC 2 became irrevocable; the development of this campus is planned for the coming years. BIC 2 is to be twice the size of BIC 1. In addition, the northern part of BIC may see the expansion of ASML, which should create thousands of new jobs.
Brainport was put up for sale to the municipality of Eindhoven last summer by Capreon, which represents the current owners. In recent months, the parties negotiated a possible deal. And with success: a purchase agreement has been concluded by the municipality of Eindhoven for the shares of BIC 1. This will give it ownership of the existing BIC 1 building of some 105,000 m2, as well as the public space around the building and the car park, among other things.
The purchase also includes the contracts of more than 40 existing tenants and the cooperating parties in BIC 1. Capreon will remain involved for the next three years and will take charge of asset management during this period, aiming to ensure continuity and retain knowledge about the building. This cooperation can be extended to five years. Capreon will also take charge of coordinating the management and maintenance of the building, as well as communicating with and implementing contracts with tenants and partners.
'Getting reliable public-private partners on board'
Alderman Maes van Lanschot of Finance and Participations: "We are pleased with the proposed acquisition of BIC 1 as a participation of the municipality of Eindhoven. The solid business case is an important financial precondition for purchase. In addition, the corporate structure provides the scope to bring reliable public-private partners on board as co-owners for the long term."
"On our campuses, the jobs of tomorrow are created and innovations are developed that make a difference to society. They are the beating heart of the new economy. This is being watched with increasing interest at home and abroad. Becoming an owner of BIC 1 is of strategic importance," said Brainport and Economy alderman Stijn Steenbakkers.
"This way, we can further strengthen our regional innovation ecosystem, safeguard the public functions in BIC 1, further shape the strategic cooperation across the campus and better protect our unique business infrastructure. Building a powerful and sustainable future for Eindhoven and the entire Brainport region requires a progressive government that dares to take a position and makes real choices. The purchase of BIC 1 is a unique opportunity that we therefore want to seize with both hands."
'Central role in Brabant region'
"We are extremely proud of what we have achieved on the Brainport Industries Campus so far. We have contributed to BIC being fully occupied, with the addition of leading multinationals, start-ups and incubator companies, in addition to the education and government organisations present. The campus is now a prime, well-diversified and stable property of institutional value, located at the cutting edge of real estate and playing a central role in the Brabant region and local community," said Raphael Noé, CEO of Capreon.
"The next step is to transfer BIC to local and government bodies, where it belongs and can fulfil its mission. We look forward to working with the Municipality of Eindhoven on these next steps for BIC and to continue realising its mission: to become the leading hub for innovation, collaboration and excellence in the high-tech manufacturing industry."
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: Janno Nivergall via Pixabay
