Renovation of FIOD building fits with government property policy

RVB sets stricter circularity requirements

After the departure of the FIOD (Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service) to Amsterdam, the Rijksvastgoedbedrijf (RVB) was faced with the question of what to do with the vacant building in Haarlem.

"We had to make a trade-off: are we going to sell it, demolish it or renovate it?" says Remko Liekelema, project manager at the RVB. "At the same time it became clear that Rijkswaterstaat, which was renting a building just down the road in Haarlem, was looking for new accommodation because the lease was expiring." In consultation with Rijkswaterstaat, it was decided to take a look at the FIOD building. "Rijkswaterstaat was very critical because it was an outdated and gloomy building and the surroundings were also cluttered. But then the plans for the area development of this part of Schalkwijk got underway, which Rijkswaterstaat was keen on. Then we were able to get the organization on board for reuse and sustainability."

In this area development, the outdated office area Schalkwijk Midden will be transformed into the "City among the trees," with many offices making way for apartment buildings amid greenery. The area will have a mix of functions. Liekelema: "In our call for tenders to the market, there was also a small extension to the building on the first floor. Rijkswaterstaat wanted a space there where you could easily meet and have meetings and lunch. Several plans were submitted, which also assumed partial demolition. BAM's plan was most based on reuse and circularity and very efficient. That also fits well with the RVB's policy."

Starting in 2023, the RVB will set stricter circularity requirements when tendering for all new construction, maintenance and renovation projects. The goal is to halve the use of non-sustainable materials such as concrete, steel and bricks by 2030. "In doing so, we apply the trias materia: avoid unnecessary construction, use (building) materials that cause little environmental impact and enable circular management in the design." A mock-up of the new office environment was made during construction. "We invited everyone to review it. The employees indicated that they could see themselves working here. That was the best compliment."