Renewal and sustainability UMC Utrecht
In the coming years, most of the UMC Utrecht will be renovated, rebuilt or newly constructed. Many of our buildings are already nearly forty years old and require renovation and sustainability.
UMC Utrecht is going to build a building that suits the care, research and education of the future. The Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) already started in 2024 with the Pediatric Intensive Care. In 2027, it will be the UMC Utrecht building’s turn. From 2026, preparations for construction will be made step by step: such as moving departments to make room for construction. Patients and visitors may also notice this.
The total renovation is planned until 2050. Until 2031 the focus of the renovation of the UMC Utrecht building is on the north side of our building, the side on the Hoofddijk near the WKZ. For the WKZ, the focus until 2030 is on the east side: the acute functions (IC and OR) and the outpatient clinics.
The ‘beating reception heart‘
On the north side we are realizing a partly new building. This creates space for a place where a lot comes together: the clinics, outpatient clinics and day treatment with all the associated facilities and amenities, such as an entrance area, catering and public facilities. In the future, this area will form “the beating reception heart” of our building: a place where everyone feels welcome, welcoming and green with the corresponding appearance, connections and facilities. Also, the outdoor area will receive a redesign with a new parking garage, bicycle facilities and a green zone connecting nature and buildings.
The north side of the UMC Utrecht
By concentrating care on the north side and moving the main entrance, space will eventually be created on the south side and in the core of our building for the renovation of our laboratories and research departments and space for the further development and renovation of the Utrecht Science Park. The current main entrance on the south side, will remain available for people traveling by public transport or coming by bicycle.
Outer areas
The public space between the UMC Utrecht, the WKZ, the Prinses Maxima Centrum and the Centraal Militair Hospitaal will be a green area with footpaths connecting the buildings. By creating a new parking facility near the main entrance and on the edge of the Utrecht Science Park, we will ensure better accessibility to our hospitals and a car-free USP. To make the new parking facility possible, the Ronald McDonald house will have a new location with more guest rooms in close proximity to the WKZ and the Prinses Máxima Center.
Space will be created on the north side by moving the main entrance and demolishing the current parking facility. This creates space for the further development of the Utrecht Science Park into an attractive and lively area focused on education, research and meeting.
Sustainability in the new building
With the renovation, the UMC Utrecht takes a big step towards a future-proof, sustainable and healthy hospital. Now that the building is being redesigned, we are seizing the moment to anchor sustainability from the outset. Our ambition is clear: to be a catalyst in the transition to a green and equitable healthcare system.
We are building according to four guiding principles. With a CO₂ roadmap, we are working toward CO₂-neutral buildings by 2050. Circular building means reuse of materials where possible and new materials are selected on circularity as well as on health. The campus will be climate proof with lots of greenery, space for water and places with natural shade. And above all, the new environment promotes health and well-being. Daylight, logical routing and green outdoor spaces stimulate relaxation, exercise and recovery for our patients, students, employees and visitors.
Utrecht Science Park 2040 environmental vision
The renewal and redevelopment of the UMC Utrecht connects to the Utrecht Science Park 2040 environmental vision. You can find more information about the environmental vision on the website of the Municipality of Utrecht. Read more