Everything that the UT does not spend on real estate can be spent on retaining employees. That was the gist of the University Council's plea when the so-called Long-Term Strategic Housing Plan (abbreviated: LTSH) was discussed. Every year in December, the plan for the following year is submitted to the central participation council for approval.
The University Council raised a hypothetical situation: suppose a real estate project costs 100 million euros. Saving one percent on that alone could 'save' the jobs and income of ten employees.
It is not that the council is by definition against real estate investments. ‘The planned renovations have a high priority and must take place,’ the council writes. Moreover, the UT's real estate plans were already overhauled last year and the focus shifted to existing real estate, not to expansion.
The University Council also insisted on the more efficient and flexible use of existing spaces. Not only does every euro count, according to the council, but also every square meter. 'And we could rent out space that we don't use ourselves, in order to generate extra income', says Robin Kamphuis of student party DAS.
Executive Board vice-president Machteld Roos agreed with the council's recommendations. 'Before we start a real estate project, we always take a good look at whether it is necessary and whether we can afford it,' she responded. Flexible working also has her attention. 'How we use our office spaces is at the top of our priority list. That is a wish of many people, but in practical terms there are the necessary hurdles and challenges. We have higher management on board, but it takes time to realize this.'
the real estate plans for 2025
Just like last year, the focus for the UT in 2025 will be on existing real estate. A selection of current and future projects:
- CUBE, the workshop for the ET faculty, will be completed next year.
- The renovation of the Paviljoen has already started. That's where the CES service comes in.
- The Cubicus is being thoroughly renovated. The UT will also start renovating the Horst complex this year.
- De Veste will continue to renovate student housing and make it more sustainable in the coming period. 117 student apartments will be added on the Boulevard. These are not UT projects, but the UT does have to adapt its infrastructure, including the Oude Drienerloweg – the cycle path between the O&D area and the Boulevard.
- The water sports complex of Euros is being renovated.
