Masterplan Healthy Ageing Campus Groningen 2040

Groningen is, and will remain, the heart of health innovation in the Netherlands. The draft masterplan for the Healthy Ageing Campus has been released for public consultation. The plan provides room for Groningen’s ambitions in healthcare and groundbreaking research, aimed at achieving more healthy years for everyone. With this masterplan, an important milestone has been reached. It presents an inspiring vision for the future, one that UMCG, the University of Groningen, and the Municipality will work toward together over the next fifteen years. A campus that integrates healthcare, research, education, housing, and entrepreneurship—connected by squares, gardens, and pathways. An environment with strong appeal to researchers, students, staff, entrepreneurs, visitors, and patients alike.

More healthy years for everyone

The Healthy Ageing Campus stretches between the Petrus Campersingel and Oostersingel, from Hanzeplein to the Oosterhamrikkanaal. The masterplan outlines the transformation of a grey, urban area into a green, inspiring campus centered on the mission of creating more healthy years for all. It strengthens the connection between the campus and the city, making Groningen a model of a healthy city. A place where the world’s leading researchers and companies work on solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s health challenges. The partners involved are extremely proud of this vision.

The future starts here

“Today we are taking the step toward a campus that will be of importance not only to the North of the Netherlands, but to the world,” says Paulina Snijders, Member of the UMCG Board of Directors. “On the Healthy Ageing Campus Groningen, healthcare, science, education, and entrepreneurship come together. We are investing in innovative healthcare and science, while also taking concrete steps in sustainability and health. What starts here will spread across the globe.”

An innovation ecosystem

“With this campus we are creating an inspiring innovation ecosystem where clinical and academic research go hand in hand, where different disciplines reinforce each other, and where talent from around the world is attracted,” says Hans Biemans, Vice President of the Board of the University of Groningen. “The campus provides space for creativity, research, and progress. Together, we are working toward a future in which healthy ageing is within reach for everyone.”

Connected to the heart of the city

“The Municipality, UMCG, and the University are fully committed to our shared ambitions,” says Alderman for Spatial Planning Rik van Niejenhuis. “With this masterplan we continue a long tradition of spatial development. In the coming decades, the campus will remain connected to the heart of the city. A place by and for all Groningers, where we build together toward a city where healthy choices and quality of life are central.”

The next step in this collaboration is to explore how the vision can be implemented in practice. UMCG, the University, and the Municipality will jointly take this forward. “Only together can we solve the major societal challenges of our time,” adds Van Niejenhuis.

Walk-in sessions on 15 October

The masterplan presents a future-proof campus: a place where healthcare, research, education, housing, and business come together. With room for both collaboration and quiet focus, and with attention to sustainability, heritage, and a healthy living environment.

Employees and students of the University of Groningen and UMCG are welcome to attend a walk-in session on:

When: Wednesday 15 October 2025
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 hours
Location: Anda Kerkhoven Centre, Antonius Deusinglaan 3, Groningen

During this session, you can drop in, ask questions, and talk with staff from UMCG, the University, and the Municipality of Groningen.

Residents and other interested parties are also welcome on 15 October between 16:30 and 20:00. In addition, everyone can submit their views on the draft masterplan via the Municipality’s online form until 5 November 2025.

What does your ideal campus look like?

We are curious to hear what is important to you as an employee/student at the Healthy Ageing Campus. Let us know via the ideas box!