Campus development

I am writing a handbook about the development of urban knowledge hotspots (science parks, campuses, creative quarters etc.). This is one of the points I will make:

In many places in Europe (Utrecht and Rotterdam are among them), 1970s-style suburban university campuses are being transformed into more diverse places, by adding all sorts of functions to the campus (student housing, restaurants, amenities etc.). This may make sense from the university’s perspective. However, there is a tradeoff: this development goes at the expense of the liveliness of the (inner) city, and reduces the demand there.  Students and staff that otherwise would have lived and consumed in the city, now spend their time and money in the campus area.  Policymakers must realise that the indirect costs of a less lively (inner) city are substantial, with impacts on tourism, image, and attractiveness for the creative class.