Campus Boulevard will enhance The Hague’s ambitions as a knowledge city
The Hague is going to have a new Campus Boulevard, enabling Leiden University to strengthen its position in the city. This decision was taken by the Municipal Executive of The Hague on 13 December.
The Campus Boulevard will be located between the Prins Bernhard Viaduct and Schedeldoekshaven and will supplement the existing Policy Campus, the area around Central Station. Both the government and Leiden University are currently looking for extra space in this area.
Innovative knowledge cluster
With tarmac, parked cars and through traffic holding sway, the area is currently somewhat of a concrete jungle. The Campus Boulevard will mean more green spaces, residential buildings, offices and an outdoor space that prioritises pedestrians. The ultimate aim is to create an innovative knowledge cluster in which government, knowledge institutions and companies can work together.
Heart of the city
For Erwin Muller, Chair of Leiden University’s Campus The Hague, this is good news. ‘This area agenda makes it possible for the Campus to further develop its research and education at one central location in the heart of the city, thus contributing to innovation, vitality and the development of The Hague as a knowledge city.’
Collaboration
Boudewijn Revis, alderman for Urban Development, sees excellent opportunities. ‘The closer proximity of the government and the University will enhance both their collaboration and their individual strengths. The Hague will become not only a city of civil servants but also a university city. A combination of which we can justifiably be proud.’
Startups, students, entrepreneurs and residents
‘It’s good that we are providing space for more education in an area of The Hague where the focus is on making links,’ says his colleague Saskia Bruines (alderman for Education). ‘Some parts of the ministries will have a public presence on the Campus Boulevard and we will be working closely together in a shared environment. The key principles here are collaboration and connection with the city for startups, students, entrepreneurs and residents.’