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Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� has selected the construction team partner for the UNIEK project: the Berghege Heerkens bouwgroep. The construction team agreement was officially signed on 17 September 2025. This marks an important step in the preparations for the transformation of the Van Unnik building and the surrounding area: a new social framework.

A milestone for the campus

Margot van der Starre, Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��: “With the UNIEK project, we are taking an important step in the renewal of Utrecht Science Park. This building will not only be an icon for sustainability and circularity, but above all a place that brings people together: students, staff, and visitors. We are delighted to have Berghege Heerkens bouwgroep on board as an experienced partner to work with the Integral Design Team on developing the design.”

Collaboration from the start

Project UNIEK is being developed by a construction team in which the university, the design team led by Mecanoo, and the construction team partner have been working closely together from the start. "The power of collaboration is crucial, especially in a complex project like this," says project director Wil Koopmans on behalf of the Berghege Heerkens bouwgroep. The construction team is working integrally on solutions that are technically sound, economically feasible and in line with the university's sustainability ambitions.

The preliminary design for the UNIEK project has been finalised and forms the basis for further development. In the next phase, the design team and the construction team partner will work with other stakeholders, such as representatives of the future users (the Faculty of Social Sciences and the ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� Administration Service), to further develop this design into a final design and specifications.

The choice of a construction team partner means that the contractor will now contribute ideas as an advisor during the design phase and the preparation for implementation. The actual contract for the redevelopment will follow at a later stage.

Sustainable and circular

Berghege Heerkens bouwgroep, consisting of Bouwbedrijf Berghege and Heerkens van Bavel Bouw, sees great opportunities for the UNIEK project to excel in the areas of circularity and sustainability. For example, there is a strong focus on timber construction, prefabrication, and reuse of materials. A materials passport will also be introduced, and the environmental performance of the building will be monitored during the process. "With this project, we are demonstrating that leading-edge architecture and far-reaching sustainability goals go hand in hand," says project director Wil Koopmans.

Preparation for implementation

In the coming period, the construction team will further develop the design. Special attention will be paid to construction logistics in the busy campus environment, safety for students and staff, and efficient implementation planning. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with completion in 2028.