Leiden University expands in former Ministries Wijnhavenkwartier
Leiden University will move into the former Ministries in the Wijnhavenkwartier. In this way the Faculty Campus The Hague will eventually grow into a university location for 3500 students.
Repurposed office space
The former offices of the Ministries of the Interior & Kingdom Relations and Security & Justice became the property of the Municipality of The Hague on 1 July. On that same day Heijmans Vastgoed BV took over management and development of both buildings, which will be completely renewed in phases. The Municipality of The Hague and Heijmans will sign an agreement on what will be the largest office transformation in the Netherlands. In the first building phase alone nearly 50,000 m2 of office space will be repurposed. Of this, 14,000 m2 are intended for Leiden University.
International city of peace and justice
Housed in the former Ministries, Leiden University connects to the position of The Hague as international city of peace and justice. This will create 350 high-level jobs in the city centre and a boost in academic programmes in the field of international law, politics and administration.
Expansion Leiden University
Alderman Marnix Norder (Urban Development, Public Housing): ‘The expansion of Leiden University in the former Ministries is the largest office space transformation in the Netherlands. There is no vacancy but new life in these striking buildings. This transformation will really complete the development of the Wijnhavenkwartier. Along with the Haagse Loper and the future Spuiforum, this will strengthen the quality of the city centre.'
Alderman Ingrid van Engelshoven (Education): 'Leiden University has grown into an important and full-fledged university location in The Hague. Its programmes connect to the strong points of the international city of The Hague: peace and justice. The academic education in the city will gain even more colour and strength through this expansion.'
Dean Prof Dr Jouke de Vries (Faculty Campus The Hague): 'It is a good thing that the Municipality of The Hague, along with Leiden University, is continuing to invest in academic development.. This will also yield its rewards in the future for the region The Hague and for the Netherlands. This new, third location at the Turfmarkt will, along with the locations Schouwburgstraat and Anna van Bueren, form the academic triad in the city centre of The Hague in 2016.'
Area Development Wijnhavenkwartier continues
Heijmans will start the renewal of the buildings at the Turfmarkt/Schedeldoekshaven in mid-2014. The first phase will be the development of lecture rooms and study spaces for Leiden University – Faculty Campus The Hague, as well as creating 170 apartments and 1000m2 of commercial space for the hospitality and retail sectors. Parking is available in the existing parking garage.
Temporary housing
Heijmans will now take over management and development of the entire complex. By temporarily renting out the buildings, the location will continue to be attractive and liveable during the phased renewal process. The businesses that have shown firm interest in temporary housing include a provider of business centres and an organiser of small trade fairs. There will also be room for cultural input. For example, the TodaysArt festival will use the buildings as a festival location in September.