From former industrial site to nature-inclusive urban area
Leiden is facing a big challenge: the demand for housing is high, but space is limited. At the same time, the city is an international hub for bio- and life sciences. Westerpoort offers a chance to combine living, working, and innovation in a healthy and lively environment. With a strong neighborhood identity and a smart spatial strategy, Westerpoort will become a future-proof district that strengthens Leiden.
Project info
Status
In development
Programme
Mix of living, working, mobility hub and hotel
Size
154.000 m2 GFO
Westerpoort covers six hectares on the west side of Leiden and serves as a link between the historic city and the Bio Science Park. The location has rich landscape value, with water, greenery, and biodiversity. By combining these features with a diverse urban layout, a dynamic and connected neighborhood emerges.
Westerpoort contributes to what’s called the housing engine of Leiden with a wide range of homes for different generations and income groups. Urban nature and lively public spaces create an attractive, mixed neighborhood where meeting others and taking initiative are encouraged.
The designprocess
Westerpoort is designed as a layered, healthy, and mixed city. Squares, shared decks, courtyards, and fields connect people and places, creating a lively and accessible environment. Urban nature and biodiversity are thoroughly integrated, contributing to a healthy living environment. Housing is mixed with amenities and activity, strategically located near the Bio Science Campus and connected by an air bridge. This makes Westerpoort a dynamic and future-proof district.
By offering a high-quality living and working environment, Westerpoort helps attract and retain talent in the city. The proximity to the Bio Science Park is leveraged to strengthen a work and innovation climate where knowledge, science, and entrepreneurship come together.
A smart mobility concept links Westerpoort to surrounding neighborhoods and key city functions. Sustainable transport flows and a strategic mobility hub ensure optimal accessibility and future-proof infrastructure.
