Promenade I preferred location for Maastricht University, further exploration to follow

Promenade I, right downtown, meets the criteria that the university considers important. Among them are visibility, accessibility, future-proof growth opportunities and the ability to connect education and research to the city and its social dynamics. 

Although the location preference is clear, the final choice depends on the feasibility analysis and the accompanying substantive and financial substantiation. The municipality of Heerlen and UM will make this analysis jointly in the near future. In addition to the cooperation that must follow from this, the municipality is preparing an investment program 'Heerlen Knowledge City' that will be submitted to the city council for decision-making in January 2026. For its part, the university also expects to complete its internal decision-making processes in the coming months.

Enriching education and research

Jordy Clemens, Alderman education and center development is delighted: "The arrival of Maastricht University is an enrichment of education and research in our region. In terms of content, there is plenty of common ground between the topics with which the university is involved and the challenges of Heerlen and Parkstad. Moreover, the university will be very visible at this location and will provide new dynamics in the inner city of Heerlen."

Heerlen Knowledge City

Heerlen and the Parkstad region want to further develop into a strong knowledge region within South Limburg and the Meuse-Rhine Euregion. An ambition that is in line with the PricewaterhouseCoopers report adopted this year by the municipality of Heerlen, UM and Zuyd Hogeschool. Investing in education, research, innovation and talent is of great importance, as is cooperation with educational institutions, Brightlands Smart Services Campus, knowledge partners, companies and social organizations. 

Important milestone

The arrival of UM in Heerlen represents an important milestone in that development. And with the preferred choice of the location on the Promenade, a first concrete step is now being taken. Rianne Letschert, president of Maastricht University's Executive Board: "In Heerlen, the first UM Bachelor of Urban Sustainability will start in September 2026 and we will work to further expand our research and education, together with our partners in Heerlen."

Have your say on the development of the Promenade

Promenade I, the area between the Promenade, Saroleastraat, Geleenstraat and Honigmannstraat, is an important development area in the heart of Heerlen. Here there will be space for education, research and entrepreneurship. The likely arrival of UM is the first concrete step in this development. If UM will fill part of the site, it will form an important basis for the future of the area. Zuyd is also exploring opportunities to be present on the Promenade with some courses and practical research. For example, around themes such as Health and living, or courses that tie in with the Brightlands Smart Services Campus. 

The municipality is organizing a meeting on Nov. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Promenade 29, where everyone is welcome to help think about the further development of the area and public space. More information can be found at centrum.heerlen.nl/programomgevingswet.

Together with partners, state and region

The coming of Maastricht University to Heerlen is made possible thanks to the national government and the City Region Parkstad. Earlier, the Regio Deal application 'Fundament under UM education in Heerlen' of €2,956,100 was approved under the condition that the same amount in the form of co-financing be provided in return. Of this, the municipality and Maastricht University each paid half. With this investment, the realization of the first educational facilities in Heerlen can begin.