26 March 2026

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is expected to relocate in approximately ten years’ time. The initial preparations for this move have now commenced.

The Faculty has been based at Wassenaarseweg 52 in Leiden for over 35 years. The building is outdated and no longer meets current standards. Both legislation and expectations regarding sustainability, functionality and comfort have changed considerably over the past decades. For this reason, an assessment is underway to determine which new accommodation will best meet the Faculty’s future needs.

At present, two potential locations are being explored: the Sylvius Building and the Huygens-Oort Building. In the coming period, work will focus on developing an integrated vision for future accommodation, as well as a programme of requirements for education, research, students and staff. Various stakeholders within the Faculty will be actively involved through working groups and consultations. Based on these outcomes, a final decision on the location will be made.

Following the selection of a location, the building in question will first be stripped back to its shell structure. It will then be rebuilt and fitted out entirely in line with the Faculty’s needs and requirements. Particular attention will be paid to current standards in sustainability, legislation and the creation of a modern, future-proof working and learning environment.

Temporary relocation of SSH labs

For the renovation of the Sylvius Building and the Huygens-Oort Building, both buildings will need to be completely vacated. This means that the SSH labs currently housed in the Sylvius Building will need to be relocated elsewhere within the next five years.

These SSH labs are relatively new, and the need to close these facilities at short notice is unexpected. At the time the labs were established, it was not yet clear what future developments and requirements would arise.

To ensure that researchers continue to have access to adequate research facilities in the interim, options are being explored to temporarily relocate part of the labs and associated equipment to the Agora Building. This will likely require limited refurbishment works. According to the current draft planning, this would take place around 2029.

Further development of plans and community involvement

The coming period will primarily focus on further developing the plans. This includes selecting a suitable location, mapping the demand for laboratory space, and conducting various preparatory studies.

This work is being carried out in close collaboration with the University’s Real Estate department. At a later stage, particular attention will also be given to the development and design of the new location. We will actively engage with our users and the wider community to gather needs, ideas and points of attention. Appropriate forms of participation will be organised for this purpose.

In the short term, little visible change is expected; concrete works will not commence for several years. Nevertheless, we consider it important to inform everyone of these developments at an early stage. As soon as new information becomes available, it will be shared via the staff website and the Faculty newsletter.