This new public space is situated in the north-eastern part of the Leiden Bio Science Park. The atmosphere of the park is extended into the adjacent residential area, where former medical laboratories were transformed into housing.
In 2009 Studio Hartzema together with VVKH architects drawn up a masterplan for the Schilperoort Park. New buildings are added to the early 20th century monumental brick buildings, towering above the trees as standing accents and making the park visible from the surrounding area. While at very high density, the area is low-traffic and in lush green. In the heart of the Randstad, an environment has been created where red and green go hand in hand. The construction of the landscape plan is then the final phase of the transformation of the former Cité Médicale into a residential, work and educational park so close to Leiden Central Station. The redevelopment of the area was completed in December 2019.
Just like the campus as a whole, the Schilperoort Park is a joint development of Leiden University and the municipality of Leiden. The park is named after Professor Rob Schilperoort (1938-2012), founder of the Leiden Bio Science Park (1984). Schilperoort was a lecturer and professor of Biochemistry at Leiden University from 1978 to 2000. A piece of art, an entrance gate to the park, is installed in his honor.
Schilperoort Park is a park for everybody and it connects Bos van Bosman to the north and Leeuwenhoek Park to the south.
Three-quarters of the total planning area of 12 hectares will be laid out as a public park with different atmospheres. Two building plots have been filled in by Hogeschool Leiden and University Leiden. More than 1,500 homes have been realized on the other six plots, half of which are student residences. In total, a building volume of 180,000 m2 is created through transformation, demolition and new construction.
In addition to the masterplan, the space between the buildings is designed also by us, in collaboration with EDM Tuin en Landschap. Monumental trees have been kept and additional trees have been planted. Because the area is located on the spur of an old beach ridge, it’s rich in vegetation for the sandy soil in the area. An intimate north area with hills and woody vegetation, an open grass field for sport and games and a relaxed south corner with a lake and a large deck alongside and a café with a sunny terrace. Although the park is part of the Bio Science Park it has a character of its own.
