Greystar Starts Construction of Two Residential Projects in Utrecht Merwede
Construction begins on over 1,000 sustainable rental apartments
The Hague, 10 December 2025 – Greystar, a global leader in the investment, development, and management of high-quality rental housing, has started construction of two large-scale residential complexes in Utrecht’s Merwede district. The projects will deliver a total of 1,068 rental homes, including more than 600 mid-market units, spread across two blocks in the city’s newest neighborhood. This groundbreaking marks a major milestone in creating a sustainable, inclusive community in the city center of Utrecht.
Together we create space
Construction has officially begun under the motto “Together We Create Space.” During a celebratory event, Alderman Eerenberg (City of Utrecht), Jacos van Zelst (Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning), Robert-Jan Foortse (APG, representing ABP), David van der Hulst (VolkerWessels), Marinus den Harder (Trebbe), and Mark Kuijpers (Greystar) reflected on the challenges of inner-city development. Together, they performed the symbolic act that marked the start of new construction in Merwede, the largest inner-city development site in the Netherlands. The event underscored the power of public-private collaboration when vision and determination come together.
Mark Kuijpers, Senior Managing Director Central Europe at Greystar: “With the start of construction on Block 1a and Block 2a, we are adding more than 1,000 sustainable homes to the city. This neighborhood is designed for the future: compact, green, low-traffic, and socially diverse. We’re demonstrating how affordable, energy-efficient housing can be created right in the heart of the city, with space for students, families, and first-time buyers.”
Eelco Eerenberg, Alderman for Spatial Planning, City of Utrecht: “The construction of Merwede is a major step in tackling the housing shortage and meeting the strong demand for rental homes. With numerous amenities, including Merwede’s first mobility store and hub, we are creating a neighborhood that functions as a true community. The two large, green, publicly accessible courtyards will form the heart of this district—places to relax, play, and connect. Merwede shows that, together with private partners, we can build a place that is not only large in scale but also contributes to an inclusive, future-proof city and becomes a wonderful home for many people.”
Robert Jan Foortse, Head of European Real Estate at APG: “This is the third investment we have delivered on behalf of ABP together with Greystar within the Dutch Essential Housing Venture. Merwede Block 1a demonstrates that with creative solutions, scale, and the commitment of all partners, even complex inner-city projects can be made possible. In doing so, we add sustainable and affordable homes in a challenging location, while securing solid long-term returns. We are proud to once again contribute on behalf of ABP to more affordable, sustainable rental housing as well as to a good pension for ABP’s participants.”
About the projects
Part of the homes will be developed within the existing partnership with pension fund ABP through the Dutch Essential Housing Venture. This project, Merwede Block 1a, comprises 779 rental units, of which more than two-thirds fall within the social and mid-market segments. At the same time, Greystar is starting construction on a second complex, Merwede Block 2a, which will add 289 rental homes to Utrecht’s housing market.
Merwede Block 1a: 779 rental homes across two buildings.
• 300 student units,
• 305 mid-rental apartments,
• 89 private-sector rental homes
• 85 short-stay units.
The homes include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, ranging from 20 m² for student units to 110 m² for private-sector apartments. All homes will have an A+++ energy performance rating, are CRREM-aligned, and the complex is expected to achieve a BREEAM-NL In-Use Excellent certification upon completion. Delivery is scheduled for late 2028.
Merwede Block 2a: 289 private-sector rental homes across several interconnected residential buildings. The homes range from compact one- and two-bedroom apartments to spacious family homes with four bedrooms, with floor areas between approximately 50 m² and 135 m². All units will achieve an energy performance rating between A++ and A+++, utilize Merwede’s central WKO energy system, and meet the district’s high sustainability ambitions. The design of the complex targets a BREEAM-NL In-Use Excellent certification.
Merwede Block 2a is being developed by Greystar on behalf of international institutional investors. Completion is scheduled for 2028.
Construction of Block 1a is being carried out by VolkerWessels companies Wessels Rijssen and Wessels Zeist, while Block 2a will be delivered by Trebbe. Architects are GroupA in collaboration with Zoetmulder and Beta.
Living in Merwede
Merwede is the largest inner-city development project in the Netherlands. In the coming years, this new urban district will take shape with around 6,000 homes, workplaces, restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, and spaces for social interaction. The neighbourhood is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, featuring sustainable mobility solutions, energy-efficient buildings, and a strong focus on biodiversity and climate adaptation.
Both Greystar projects contribute to the goal of creating affordable, future-proof housing for a wide range of residents — from students to families, from first-time buyers to retirees.