Water Campus - English version

With the Wetsus scientific institute, Leeuwarden has enlisted a major player. Moreover, the Johannes de Doper Science Centre is home to approximately 20 water companies. Together they constitute the Leeuwarden Water Campus.

What is the project’s focus?

If Leeuwarden wants to economically benefit from water technology then the available expertise must be made profitable. This may be achieved by converting the current knowledge and new discoveries into marketable products. In order to physically bring researchers and entrepreneurs closer together, the Water Campus has been expanded on the former Atoglas property on Oostergoweg. Wetsus (opens in new window), as the main scientific centre, will be the campus hub. The other space is intended for businesses. The area offers approximately 25,000 square metres to laboratories, workshops and offices. 

What is water technology?

Worldwide, water technology has captured the focus of media attention. As the world population grows, the demand for water is on the increase. There is a growing demand for technological solutions in the field of drinking water production, waste water purification, water distribution and sustainable water management. Water technology specialists are studying these solutions. For example, a Frisian company developed the Dutch Rainmaker (opens in new window), a machine which is able to produce drinking water from the air.

Who are contributing to the Water Campus?

The city council works together with various parties involved in this project, such as Wetsus, the companies within the Johannes de Doper Science Centre, the Water Alliance, Stichting Well, the NOM, Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Leeuwarden, Vitens and Marketing Leeuwarden. Moreover, educational institutions play a major role in the Water Campus project. The college Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein offers educational programmes in the field of water management and water technology and the college NHL Hogeschool has a Centre of Expertise for water technology. The Provincial Government is a major partner in the realisation of the Water Campus.

More about the construction of the Water Campus. (opens in new window)

Wetsus (opens in new window)
Stichting Well  (opens in new window)
Investerings- en ontwikkelingsmaatschappij voor Noord-Nederland (opens in new window)
Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Leeuwarden (opens in new window)
Vitens (opens in new window)
Marketing Leeuwarden (opens in new window)
Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein (opens in new window)
NHL Hogeschool (opens in new window)
Provinsje Fryslân (opens in new window)

What are the ambitions?

Leeuwarden has what it takes to evolve into a trend-setting water technology centre at home and abroad. All parties are working closely together to achieve this. The City of Leeuwarden has the ambition to become the European water technology capital by 2020 and to have 2,000 scientists employed in the field of water technology in the northern Netherlands.

When will the new Water Campus be ready?

Currently, the new construction of the Water Campus on the Atoglas property is planned to be delivered in 2014. In 2011 work is in progress on the tender procedure and the zoning scheme.

What will be the cost of the Water Campus?

In total, the first phase of the new construction on the Atoglas property will cost approximately 35 million euro, depending on the chosen parking solution. The project is subsidised by funds from the Dutch and the European government. Even the Province of Fryslân and the Leeuwarden city council contribute to the Water Campus.

Clever with water and energy

Leeuwarden is making the best effort to create a sustainable future. The Leeuwarden City Council is focused on achieving its objectives for water as well as energy. One of the city’s major objectives is to reach independence from fossil fuels by 2020.

Where can I find more information?

Interested companies and individuals who want more information may contact the Leeuwarden City Council. Fill in the contact form, or call 14 058 (Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00 hrs).