The University of Groningen (UG) will need approximately 3.5 million euros to keep Nijenborgh 4 operational for education and research until 2027. The building’s continued use is necessary due to delays in the completion of the Feringa Building.
Parts of Nijenborgh 4 are being demolished to make room for the final construction phases of the Feringa Building. Research groups without space in the new facility will remain in the old building for now.
However, as it stands, Nijenborgh 4 will remain in use after the final move. The university plans to use the building until September 2027. ‘We need teaching space at Zernike,’ said board member Hans Biemans, adding that Nijenborgh 4 can help meet this demand.
Significant upgrades
Before the building can continue to be used, it will require significant upgrades, which will cost 3.49 million euros. This investment will cover additional asbestos removal and upgrades or replacements to systems such as air treatment, lighting and power, and fire detection and evacuation systems.
Had the Feringa Building been completed on schedule, the UG would not need to spend this extra money. However, the university sees no alternative. Constructing a temporary new building would cost at least 20 million euros. ‘It’s unfortunate,’ Biemans admitted.
Concerns
Although 3.5 million euros is a substantial expense amid the looming budget cuts, the university council supports the board of directors’ plans. However, council members are concerned about what might happen if the Feringa Building faces further delays.
Biemans assured that he does not anticipate additional delays. ‘We have a contractor who knows exactly what needs to be done, and the complex components of the Feringa Building have already been completed in earlier construction phases. For these reasons, I don’t expect further setbacks,’ he said.