Kadans Science Partner appointed as developer of the Transition Building
With the signing of the collaboration agreement on 13 January 2025, Kadans Science Partner is officially appointed developer of the Transition Building which has received the working title The Bridge. This marks an important milestone in the transformation of Utrecht Science Park, the accommodation of the Faculty of Science and the ambition of Utrecht University to be a trailblazer in sustainability and innovation.
From challenge to sustainable solution
The Bridge will be realised at the location of the former Earth Sciences Building. This office and laboratory building of approximately 20,000 m² provides the required temporary accommodation for the institutes Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB), Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB) and a part of the Bijvoet Centre during the renovation of the Kruyt Building. By reusing the pre-existing concrete frame of the Earth Sciences Building, over 1.4 million kilograms of CO₂ exhaust will be saved, equal to the emissions of 200 car rides around the world. This circular approach seamlessly links up with the sustainable ambition of the university: practice what you teach.
A shared ambition
Vice President Margot van der Starre emphasises the importance of this project: “With The Bridge, we make a concrete step towards our ambition to realise a sustainable and circular campus. By reusing pre-existing materials and constructing innovatively, we show we don’t just talk about sustainability, but actually put it into practice as well. Together with partners such as Kadans Science Partner, we work on a future in which knowledge sharing, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.”
The Bridge is an important step in the accommodation of the faculty, Director of Operations of the Faculty of Science Klaas Druijf informs us: “I’m super happy there is a contractor and that we will commence. This is the beautiful first large step. With this building, we move ahead firmly in the accommodation puzzle of the faculty. It get us a fine workspace for our researchers and students, especially for biology and chemistry.”
Collaborating for impact
Kadans Science Partner is an established name in the world of academic campuses. With their expertise in developing and managing high-grade science clusters throughout Europe, they are the ideal partner to realise this project. The building will become a hub in which knowledge, innovation and sustainability meet, and it will contribute to a future-proof Utrecht Science Park. “We are extremely proud to be able to redevelop the shell of the old Earth Sciences Building into a new vibrant and inspiring hub for research and knowledge sharing. We understand the complexity of redeveloping existing buildings and are determined to meet this challenge with innovative and sustainable solutions, contributing to a future-proof campus,” said Johan van Gerven, Director Development of Kadans Science Partner.
View on the future
In 2025, the altering of the current frame and the expansion with two new levels will start. This enables a fast realisation, so the institutes can move in from October 2027 onwards. The development of The Bridge is not only necessary for the reaccommodation of the Faculty of Science, but also a tangible example of how the university puts its vision for a circular and sustainable campus into practice.
Would you like to know more?
Read more on the transformation of Utrecht Science Park and the sustainable ambitions of Utrecht University regarding Campus Development.
* Our planet is under pressure. Urgent and transformative action is needed. That is why Utrecht University collaborates with numerous partners to develop sustainable solutions that promote the health of both the planet and all living beings. Learn more: year theme 2025: Healthy Planet.
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