The Executive Board has decided in principle what to do with the Hogekamp: the empty building will be converted into a student hotel with 315 short-stay furnished rooms. The conference hotel Drienerburght will also move into the property, with 65 rooms as well as meeting and conference rooms. The Drienerburght will also be run by the student hotel operator City Living.
Executive Board member Kees van Ast emphasised that the decision is not yet final. "The University Council and the Supervisory Board will discuss the plans and be asked to approve them."
The tendering process for the Hogekamp was started two years ago. The starting point for UT was that the building should be redeveloped without significant cost to UT. The building will be handed over to a developer on a leasehold basis. A similar approach is used for the Langezijds.
The best project came from constructor and developer Van Wijnen. "They want to convert to the Hogekamp into a student hotel, a concept that began in England. The student hotel will have 315 rooms, intended for students here for a short time or as temporary accommodation for students looking for a permanent residence. The hotel will also be suitable for guest lecturers or others visiting UT."
There are already student hotels in Liège and Rotterdam. The first student hotel in Amsterdam will open soon. Besides the rooms, all with a bathroom and kitchenette, the hotel will also have common kitchen facilities, a laundrette and a gym. The rooms cost an average of 500 euros per month.
The investor for the Hogekamp is American investment company Carlyle Group. "City Living wants the hotel open by September 2014, so they are planning to refurbish the building in the spring."
According to Van Ast, the investor does not want two operators in the building. "That means that City Living will operate the Drienerburght as a hotel, but not as an independent hotel." Van Ast realises that this will have big consequences for the conference hotel, which recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary. "I have personally informed the staff about this decision and they were disappointed. Their wish was to continue as an independent hotel. It is certainly our drive to maintain hotel accommodation. We will also negotiate hard to retain the permanent staff. "
There are no other options for the Drienerburght, emphasises Van Ast. "The hotel is very outdated, particularly the small rooms. Renovation of the existing site would cost too much." New build is not a viable option. "The Executive Board prioritises continuity of conference and hotel accommodation on campus and sees the best opportunities in this proposal. Reservations of both rooms and conference space can therefore continue. "
The staff of the Drienerburght has not responded to the takeover. The Director, Marijke Schmand, is currently on holiday. It is not yet known what will happen to the building which currently houses the Drienerburght.
The final decision on the future of the Hogekamp will be made in January. A number of important issues need to be resolved first, such as the financing of the project and the negotiations with City Living.
