UTRECHT, 4 November 2008 – Construction of the new Jeroen Bosch Hospital reached another milestone on Thursday, 6 November. The topping-out of the project took place exactly a year after the first pile was driven! This memorable event was celebrated by all parties involved, as the flag was raised on site to the highest point. Construction is being carried out by the Jeroen Bosch building consortium, which comprises Ballast Nedam, Hurks van der Linden and Strukton Bouw & Vastgoed. The installers involved in this project are Imtech, Burgers Ergon and Wolter & Dros.

The realisation of the new hospital is proceeding favourably. The structural work is advancing at an unprecedented rate of 650 m² a day, which implies that each unit becomes one floor higher every twelve days. The façade – apart from the gable ends – is being constructed entirely from prefab sections, including the brickwork external wall finishing, sun blinds and aluminium window frames. This method enables construction without the use of scaffolding, so that, when viewed from the exterior, the building appears to be rising out of the ground ready made. In addition to the new hospital, a multi-storey car park is being built which will be able to accommodate approx. 1,100 cars. The hospital’s existing Willem-Alexander wing, which will remain part of the new complex, is to be completely renovated.

The new premises of the Jeroen Bosch Hospital are to replace the Carolus and Groot Ziekengasthuis facilities. The Bommels Gasthuis in Zaltbommel and Liduina in Boxtel, however, are to remain open following completion of the new complex. The new hospital will have a capacity of 704 beds, which will render it the Netherlands’ largest general hospital.

Construction of the entire complex is to be completed in two years’ time, while the official handover is expected to take place early in 2011.