Leiden University may open new building in the centre of The Hague
The Municipality of The Hague, Leiden University and CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) will together try to realise a University building in the former Hudson’s Bay premises at Grote Marktstraat 48-50/Spui 3. This will facilitate the growth of Campus The Hague. A cooperation agreement was signed today by Vice-chairman of Leiden University’s Executive Board, Martijn Ridderbos, and alderman Anne Mulder, and a Letter of Intent (LOI) by Martijn Ridderbos and Martijn Vlasveld, Director of Portfolio Management at CBRE IM.
Martijn Ridderbos: ‘Expanding our estate is very important to the development of our Campus The Hague. In signing these agreements, the three of us have confirmed that we will make a concerted effort to achieve this. We are very grateful to the Municipality of The Hague and CBRE IM for their support and cooperation.’
Campus The Hague
In a letter of intent in 2020, the Municipality of The Hague and Leiden University declared their intention to expand the University’s Campus The Hague. The aim was to do so at the Central Innovation District (CID) in The Hague. As construction at the intended CID site would take longer and the University needs space at short notice, the search was resumed for a suitable location that is within walking distance of the other buildings at Leiden University’s Campus The Hague.
The University began talks with CBRE IM, the landlord of the vacant building that used to house Hudson’s Bay, about leasing the property for a period of 20 years as of 2025. The LOI confirms the University and CBRE IM’s mutual intention to reach a definitive lease agreement.
Alderman Anne Mulder: ‘I’m really pleased with this step, which will contribute to the further development of The Hague as a university city. It will be a boost for the knowledge economy and employment and will attract young, highly educated people to the city.’
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Erwin Muller (Leiden University), Saskia Bruines (Municipality of The Hague), Martijn Ridderbos (Leiden University), Marianne Wesselo (CBRE IM), Martijn Vlasveld (CBRE IM) and Anne Mulder (Municipality of The Hague). -
Martijn Ridderbos (Leiden University) and Anne Mulder (Municipality of The Hague). -
Martijn Ridderbos (Leiden University), Marianne Wesselo (CBRE IM) and Martijn Vlasveld (CBRE IM). -
Erwin Muller (Leiden University), Saskia Bruines (Municipality of The Hague), Marianne Wesselo (CBRE IM), Anne Mulder (Municipality of The Hague), Martijn Ridderbos (Leiden University) and Martijn Vlasveld (CBRE IM).
Responsible growth
Leiden University adopted its 2020-2030 strategy for Campus The Hague in 2020. This focuses on the further development of the campus in the areas of research, teaching and impact. Besides responsible growth in the number of bachelor’s and master’s students, the strategy also envisions an Academy for Professionals and a centre for entrepreneurship.
Erwin Muller, Chair of Campus The Hague: ‘The envisaged expansion will enable Leiden University to continue to grow in The Hague and increase its commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching with an impact on the city and society at large.’
To accommodate the increased numbers of students and staff on the current programmes, a new location in the centre of The Hague was sought. This must also compensate for the rented space in Stichthage. The lease on this space expires in 2025 and cannot be renewed because of a large-scale renovation.
One university in two cities
Leiden University is one university in two cities: Leiden and The Hague. All of its faculties are active in The Hague. The Campus strategy is closely aligned with the profile of The Hague, as city of Peace, Law and Security, and with the city’s metropolitan, national and international character. Over the past two decades, Campus The Hague has developed into a campus with approximately 7,000 students, 550 employees and 21 bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
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Image: Impression of the new building.