Development The Bridge (Transition Building)

On the site of the former Earth Sciences building, Utrecht University is having a building with laboratories and offices developed by the external market party Kadans. We are calling this The Bridge (previously the Transition Building). The university will then rent this building. This will make it possible to temporarily accommodate users of the Hugo R. Kruyt building.

What are we going to do?

The Bridge will be constructed on the existing concrete shell of the Earth Sciences Building (AWG), which was recently dismantled. This shell was found to be in good condition and will therefore be retained. Reusing it will save more than 1.4 million kilograms of CO₂, which means a substantially lower environmental impact than complete demolition and new construction.

The external market party Kadans is making the building suitable for part of the Faculty of Science. As is customary at Utrecht Science Park, the plot is being leased by Utrecht University. Once construction is complete, Utrecht University will lease the building for a fixed period (minimum 8 years). After this rental period, Kadans can once again use the building as a multi-tenant building (a building in which multiple companies, start-ups and scale-ups rent their own lab and office spaces and share common facilities).

Why are we doing this?

The Hugo R. Kruyt Building is outdated and needs to be renovated. To make this renovation possible, the current users of a number of institutes must vacate the building. The Bridge offers temporary, suitable accommodation for this purpose.

Who is this project for?

The Bridge is intended for the Faculty of Science. The institutes IBB, IEB, part of Bijvoet and PSI from the NPEC will move to this building. The Bridge will mainly be used for research.

Sustainable Construction

Utrecht University and developer Kadans are committed to delivering a circular, energy-efficient, and future-proof laboratory building by repurposing the existing structural framework. This approach will result in a reduction of more than 1.4 million kg of CO₂ emissions and achieve a BREEAM Excellent certification.

During construction, special attention is given to the five pillars of the Bewuste Bouwers (Considerate Constructors) Code of Conduct: Community, Safety, Craftsmanship, Environment, and Site Appearance. Together, these principles form the foundation of responsible construction, ensuring that building sites take both their physical surroundings and the people working on them into account.

What will you notice?

The construction of the Bridge may affect accessibility in the Northwest Cluster of Utrecht Science Park. Campus Management is coordinating the work closely with Kadans and contractor BAM to minimise disruption as much as possible.

During construction, noise, vibrations and dust may arise. Any diversions, closures or modified walking routes will be announced in good time and clearly indicated.

Project Timeline

  • Construction start: Q1 2026
  • Structural topping out: Q3 2026
  • Expected completion: End of 2027

Construction Progress- July 2026

  • Foundation works for the main building have been completed.
  • Construction of two additional floors on the existing structural frame has commenced and is scheduled for completion in September 2026.
  • Second half of August: Installation of the façades and roof works will begin.
  • End of August: Installation of the primary building services will commence.