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Exploratory scenarios for the future of the Harmonie Complex

16 October 2025

Plans are being developed for the future of the Harmonie Complex. The building, which houses the Faculty of Arts, is outdated and in need of renewal. Therefore, the University of Groningen and the Municipality of Groningen are jointly exploring various scenarios for the future of the complex.

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The Harmonie Complex is outdated and in need of renewal.

Exploring different scenarios

The starting point is that the faculty will remain in the city centre, preferably at its current location on Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat. However, to prepare the building for the future, large-scale renovation is required. During the renovation, the faculty will need to be temporarily relocated. For this reason, alternative options are also being considered, including new construction at another site in the city centre, such as the Station Area.

Involvement of staff and students

“All the different options have their pros and cons,” explains Sander van den Bos, director of the faculty. “Our staff and students feel strongly connected to the current location and the city centre. The aim is therefore to keep the faculty in the city centre, and preferably at its current location, but this must also be feasible for the University of Groningen. Together with the municipality, we are exploring various scenarios. We have already informed the Faculty Council about these studies and asked them to be involved in assessing the scenarios.”

Careful consideration

In the coming period, the University of Groningen, the faculty board, and the municipality will hold administrative discussions to make a well-considered choice. Time will be taken to carefully weigh the options, taking into account different perspectives, such as whether the plan is effective, affordable, and feasible, fits within the surroundings, and sufficiently enhances education, collaboration and a (sustainable) society.

City architect Ben van der Meer and University of Groningen Professor Cor Wagenaar are contributing to a quality team to refine the scenarios. Clarity on the final decision is expected in the spring of 2026.

Last modified:16 October 2025 3.32 p.m.
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