From National Archives to hostel: Pleijsier begins the transformation of Stayokay Groningen

Following the successful renovation of Stayokay Rotterdam in the iconic Cube Houses, the partnership between Stayokay and Pleijsier is set to continue. Pleijsier Bouw en Onderhoud and Pleijsier Hotelrenovatie, together with their sister company Palet Vastgoedonderhoud, have begun the transformation of the former National Archives building on Sint Jansstraat in the heart of Groningen. The distinctive building is being given a completely new lease of life as a modern and sustainable hostel with 41 rooms and 226 beds.

Historic building to be repurposed

The former National Archives on Sint Jansstraat dates from 1922 and, with its distinctive appearance, is a recognisable feature of Groningen’s city centre. The property has been purchased by the NJHC Beheer Foundation. Over the coming period, the building will be transformed into a contemporary Stayokay hostel, whilst the historic architecture and existing structure of the building will continue to play an important role.

The brief therefore ties in well with Pleijsier’s experience: creating a new role that meets today’s requirements, whilst respecting what already exists.

41 rooms and 226 beds

Stayokay Groningen will have 41 rooms with a total of 226 beds and 30 sleeping capsules. This means the future hostel will be able to accommodate a wide range of guests, from families and groups of friends to school groups, clubs and individual travellers.

Stayokay is keen to ensure that the new venue is more than just a place to stay overnight. Residents of Groningen will also be able to pop in for a coffee or lunch, for example. In this way, the historic building will once again fulfil a public and social role in the city.

“Groningen has everything we’re looking for in a hostel: energy, culture and character.”

Marijke Schreiner, Director of Stayokay

Making things more sustainable whilst respecting history

Sustainability is at the heart of the transformation, whilst ensuring that the history and structure of the former National Archives are not overlooked. This combination makes the renovation a challenging task. The building will be given the comfort and functionality of a modern hostel, whilst retaining its distinctive features as far as possible.

For Pleijsier, this marks yet another project in which renovation, sustainability and bespoke solutions come together. The various departments within Pleijsier Bouw en Onderhoud, Pleijsier Hotelrenovatie and Palet Vastgoedonderhoud are working closely together to achieve a cohesive whole.

As well as the rooms, we are also building a completely new reception area, staff room, kitchen and breakfast room.

Partnership with Stayokay to continue

Stayokay Groningen marks a new chapter in the partnership between Stayokay and Pleijsier. The first collaboration began at Stayokay Eindhoven, after which Pleijsier was involved in the extensive renovation of Stayokay Rotterdam, which was completed in the summer of this year.

The move from Rotterdam to Groningen is in line with our ambition to build long-term partnerships with clients. Whilst the distinctive geometry of the Kubuswoningen was the focus of our work in Rotterdam, a unique renovation project awaits us in Groningen: preparing a historic archive building for a future as a vibrant space for people to stay and meet.

From archive to meeting place

With this transformation, the former National Archives will take on a completely new role after more than a century. A place that was once dedicated to preserving history will soon become a place where visitors from home and abroad can discover Groningen and create new memories.

Stayokay Groningen is expected to open its doors in the summer of 2027.