On 9 December 2008 the Dutch Ministry of Finance has issued the Availability Certificate to Safire. This marks the completion of the renovation of the Ministry of Finance, well in time and within the budget. As of 1 December 2008 the staff of the Ministry of Finance are housed once more at Korte Voorhout 7 in The Hague, going into the operational stage of the PPP project.

Early 2007, Safire has made a start with the constructional renovation. The Availability Certificate was issued retroactively as of 17 November. This means that Safire has delivered the revamped Ministry one month ahead of schedule.

First PPP for government accommodation
The PPP project Renovation of the Ministry of Finance is the first public-private participation project for government accommodation. The Dutch Government Buildings Agency and the Ministry of Finance have awarded the renovation assignment to the Safire consortium, a partnership between Strukton, Burgers Ergon, GTI, ISS Facility Services and an investment fund of ABN AMRO and the Dutch Infrastructure Fund. The architect was Jeroen Van Schooten (Meyer & Van Schooten Architecten). The project comprises the design, the renovation, the financing and the management and maintenance of the building for a term of 25 years. The DBFMO Agreement has a net present value of Euro 173 million exclusive of VAT. This PPP tender has cut down the cost by 15% compared to a traditional tender.

Contemporary, transparent appearance
The Dutch Ministry of Finance has gone through a real metamorphosis. The finance building has been upgraded with a modern and open appearance. The bold character has been upheld, while creating new possibilities. The small interior garden has been transformed into a light atrium with a meeting centre. Breaking through the façade at Korte Voorhout has converted what was once a closed office block with complex logistics into a transparent building with shorter walking lines and a more effective positioning of the functions. The large interior garden has turned into a courtyard accessible to the public and leading to the central entrance. At the corner of Korte Voorhout and Prinsessegracht a transparent winter garden has been set up. The building contains 1750 workstations.

Flexible and sustainable solution
Safire guarantees an intelligent and sustainable solution. The installations (air conditioning and heating) have been replaced, and the building now has a contemporary and open appearance. The new building has an efficient logistics concept that in the long run will cut costs dramatically. Apart from this, sustainability plays a key role in the design. The new building meets the standards of the National Package Plus Standard. The application of a heat / cold storage installation, heat pumps, a double-shelled façade and fan coil ceilings will reduce the energy consumption. The new building uses sustainable energy only. The building is highly flexible due to the use of cable floors, and by placing installations in the double-shelled façade.