Building on Brownfield Sites
An-Najah National University prioritises the redevelopment of brownfield sites and the reuse of previously developed buildings over building on undeveloped land wherever possible. By giving abandoned and deteriorating sites a new life, the University reduces its environmental footprint, protects green and agricultural land, makes efficient use of scarce land in Palestine and contributes to the regeneration of the communities around it.
The New Campus: from abandoned military site to a thriving university campus
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The University’s largest development, the New Campus, was built on previously developed land. In 1979, the University purchased an abandoned 112-dunam site that had been used as a military area in the 1960s. Construction began in early 2000, and the campus has continued to grow ever since, with new academic, research and service buildings added on the same site rather than on undeveloped land. Today, the New Campus is home to most of the University’s faculties and has transformed a once-abandoned area into one of the most vibrant parts of Nablus.
Al-Shakaa Palace: a historic building reborn as Innopark
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The University restored the abandoned Al-Shakaa Palace, a historic building that had fallen into disrepair, and transformed it into Innopark, An-Najah Innovation Park. Rather than leaving the building to deteriorate or building a new facility elsewhere, the University repurposed it as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, where students, entrepreneurs and members of the local community work together to develop their ideas and projects. The project shows how rehabilitating existing buildings can drive technological and economic progress in the community.
Al-Amad House: reviving a landmark in the Old City of Nablus
In the heart of the Old City of Nablus, the University restored Al-Amad House, an Ottoman-era building nearly 200 years old that had become abandoned and was deteriorating. The house was leased to the University by the Al-Amad family, and the restoration was carried out in partnership with Taawon, which reinforced the structure while preserving its historic character. Modern water, electricity and network infrastructure were added to make the building fit for contemporary use. Today, Al-Amad House serves as a community centre, a student hall, the headquarters of the University’s Community Service Centre and a living classroom where architecture students study traditional Palestinian architecture. It is also a popular destination for visitors to Nablus.
Why brownfield development matters
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Protecting green and agricultural land: reusing previously developed sites avoids building on open land, which is especially valuable in Palestine, where land is scarce.
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Lower environmental impact: reusing existing structures and infrastructure reduces the materials, energy and emissions associated with new construction.
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Preserving heritage: restoring historic buildings keeps Palestine’s architectural heritage alive and in use.
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Regenerating communities: bringing abandoned sites back into use revitalises neighbourhoods and brings services closer to the people who need them.
Our commitment for the future
An-Najah National University will continue to prioritise brownfield sites and the reuse of existing buildings for its future developments wherever feasible. All new and renovated buildings on these sites follow the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024, in line with the University’s Sustainable Energy Policy, ensuring that the University grows in a way that is both land-efficient and environmentally responsible.