Agreement of Cooperation Signed for New Building at Anna van Buerenplein

On Thursday 17 February 2011, Fortress Project development, Leiden University and the municipality of The Hague signed an Agreement of Cooperation for the construction of a new university building at Anna van Buerenplein.

Willem te Beest (Leiden University) and Bas Maingay (Fortress) sign the agreement (photo by: G. Ongkiehong, cimon communicatie)

The new building will be completed in time for the start of the academic year 2013/2014. It will comprise class rooms, office space, common areas and a grand café. Moreover, the building will provide housing accommodation for nearly 400 students. For LUC students this means living and studying under the same roof, ensuring a great sense of community. Paul van der Heijden, Rector Magnificus of Leiden University stated: "The international character of the University College perfectly fits this stimulating environment; our students will live and study in the heart of The Hague."

At the moment LUC students live in custom-made apartments located near The Hague's international railway station Holland Spoor. Upon completion of the building at Anna van Buerenplein, the students will move into comfortable apartments of approximately 28 square meters. Ingrid van Engelshoven, alderman of Education and Public Services of the City of The Hague says: "This prominent programme deserves a prominent location in the city. It reinforces the profile of The Hague as international capital of Peace and Justice."

Responsible for the design of the new building is Wiel Arets Architects. After the signing of the Agreement of Cooperation a scale model of the new building was revealed. This model is currently on display at the Den Haag Nieuw Centraal information center next to the central station.