UTRECHT, 5 October 2007 – Installation of the atrium roof on 4 October 2007 means that the highest point has now been reached in renovating the Ministry of Finance on the Korte Voorhout in The Hague. This marks a new milestone in the construction process.

Consortium Safire – a joint venture between ABN AMRO, Burgers Ergon, GTI, ISS Facility Services and Strukton – is responsible for the design, renovation, financing and redevelopment of the Ministry of Finance, including the management and maintenance of the building for a period of 25 years. In line with traditional practice in the sector, Safire organised a festive gathering on 4 October for the construction workers and other parties involved in the renovation project since the start of 2007.

The renovated building will boast a modern and representative look, while retaining its characteristic aesthetics. Of all the new construction activities, the roof of the atrium is both the highest and, in a symbolic sense, the most beautiful point. The atrium serves as the ‘heart’ of the building. It provides access to the conference centre, the company restaurant and various central communal areas. A courtyard garden will also be created in the centre of the atrium above the large conference hall.

The PPP project for the renovation of the Ministry of Finance represents the first project for government office buildings in the Netherlands arising from a public-private partnership (PPP). The project participants are the Government Buildings Department, the Ministry of Finance and Safire. Safire began with the structural renovation at the start of 2007. Expectations are that the building will be taken into operation at the end of 2008.