Campus Plan 2026

More campus

The campus is developing into a vibrant hub where education, research, sports, culture and entrepreneurship come together. By using buildings and spaces more intelligently – for example, through more efficient scheduling – new opportunities for conferences and other activities are created. Additional affordable student housing makes the university more attractive to students and increases the vibrancy on and around the campus. In addition, cooperation with social and innovative partners will be strengthened, among other things through the further development of the Science Park function. The whole is supported by a green, sustainable campus environment that visibly contributes to a better future.

Fewer metres

The need for space on campus is rapidly declining. Fewer students and staff, combined with more efficient use of space, means that more and more square metres are becoming available. Based on the space requirements model, the working environment now requires around 25 per cent less space, and a tighter schedule for teaching spaces is also showing a clear decline. 

This has a noticeable impact on the campus: vacant space is spread across various buildings. A relocation plan concentrates these vacant spaces, allowing entire sections of buildings or entire buildings to be vacated. These buildings are then used as replacement accommodation during renovations or disposed of through demolition, sale or rental, with the land remaining the property of the university. This results in considerable savings and creates space for sustainable investment.

Development lines

Five lines of development together determine the course for campus development.

1. A compact heart – Around the Erasmus Building, University Library and sports and cultural centre, a lively zone for education, research and socialising is being created.
2. Liveliness with direction – Central programming and digital platforms make the campus offerings visible and accessible.
3. Living on campus – New residential concepts enhance the vibrancy and attract students, in collaboration with SSH& and the municipality of Nijmegen.
4. Space for partners and innovation – The campus is growing as a Science Park, with space for companies and institutions that contribute to Radboud themes such as health, sustainability and AI.
5. Sustainability as a guiding principle – Renovation over new construction, greening and attention to biodiversity ensure an energy-efficient and future-proof campus.

Maintenance and renovation 

In the coming years, the university will focus primarily on necessary maintenance and upkeep of important buildings, so that the campus remains safe, accessible and sustainable.

• 2027: Completion of the accommodation for the 14-T MRI and major maintenance on the Linnaeus Building.
• 2028: Maintenance of the Huygens Building and Mercator I, II and III, and construction of a new data centre.
• 2031: Renovation of the Erasmus Building.
• 2035: Renovation of the Huygens Building.

Towards a campus that is ready for the future

Making smarter use of space, making buildings more sustainable and collaborating in shared environments creates an affordable, vibrant and sustainable campus – ready for future generations. With less space, but more campus.

Looking ahead to 2040

Buildings are disposed of through demolition, leasing or sale, depending on what is financially and strategically most appropriate. This reduces operating costs and, in the case of sale or lease, creates investment opportunities for sustainability, innovation and a pleasant working environment. Based on current insights and developments, buildings such as the Spinoza Building, the Mercator Buildings, the Comenius Buildings, the Aula and the Berchmanianum may be disposed of in the long term.

Current projects