Medical Centre Leeuwarden

Medical Centre Leeuwarden (MCL) is a top clinical hospital in Leeuwarden and Harlingen, providing acute, highly complex, and general care in Friesland. It focuses on research, education, and innovation under the socially motivated motto: "Seen, heard, and helped." EGM Architects is designing the new MCL in Leeuwarden—an innovative, sustainable, and compact hospital prepared for rapidly evolving healthcare needs and compliant with the highest sustainability standards. This redevelopment is part of MCL’s ambition to operate fully climate-neutral by 2050, as outlined in Green Deals 2.0 and 3.0.

Vision and approach

As a top clinical hospital, MCL delivers acute, highly complex, and general care to the Friesland region. Guided by the motto "seen, heard, and helped," the hospital prioritises research, education, and innovation. The redevelopment is envisioned as a future-proof campus that addresses changing healthcare needs and aligns with the energy transition. From from 1 January, Medical Centre Leeuwarden and Tjongerschans will join under a new name, Frisius MC.

A more compact hospital

Healthcare is evolving towards a model where patients increasingly recover in homely environments or specialised rehabilitation centres. Consequently, hospitals like MCL can become more compact, focusing on highly complex care. The partnership with Noorderbreedte on the campus reflects this shift: where possible, patients recover outside the hospital, transitioning seamlessly to rehabilitation or home care. This not only ensures more efficient care but also enhances patient experience and promotes faster recovery. The compact design is flexible, accommodating future changes in healthcare needs.

We believe we have a significant societal responsibility in how we deliver care. We aim to do this sustainably and energy-efficiently, which is why we are committed to sustainable construction

Willem Lenglet, Board Member

Sustainable building: Paris Proof

The MCL redevelopment prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency. Fossil fuels are being replaced with sustainable energy sources such as geothermal energy, and the new buildings meet stringent sustainability standards. Existing structures are being renovated wherever possible, with older, less sustainable buildings being replaced.

EGM’s design focuses on creating a health-supportive environment. Biophilic design principles, which promote the well-being of both patients and staff, have been applied. Natural light, attention to circadian rhythms, views of greenery, and the use of natural materials such as wood contribute to a healing atmosphere, fostering a Healing Environment. Additionally, the design is flexible, accommodating future functional changes effortlessly. This adaptability ensures the building remains highly functional, even as healthcare demands evolve.

It’s an extensive redevelopment plan. By 2035, a nearly entirely new MCL should be in place

Willem Lenglet, Board Member

Structural plan and planning

In collaboration with MCL, EGM has developed the Structural Plan 2030. The redevelopment will be executed in phases to ensure the continuity of care. Phase 1, commencing in 2025, will focus on constructing the acute care axis, including a state-of-the-art intensive care unit (ICU), an innovative operating theatre complex with hybrid operating rooms, and a new day treatment centre. Phase 2 will encompass the departments of Radiology and an emergency department with a GP out-of-hours service.

New construction is essential to ensure we can continue providing high-quality and innovative patient care, both now and in the future

Joost Willems, Programme Manager

EGM Architects is currently refining the design in collaboration with a team that includes MCL, ptg advies (installations consultant), Royal HaskoningDHV (engineering consultant), Aronsohn (structural engineer), Urbis (urban planning), and Buro Lubbers (landscape design).