Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
On the 44-hectare Steenenburg estate in Drunen, the Steenenburg Life Science Park is taking shape. Willy Naessens Nederland is constructing the first healthcare facility there, focused on early diagnosis, scientific research, and support for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). For project initiator Jan Kelders, the construction marks the realization of his long-cherished dream: an MS Center of Excellence.
The first pile has now been driven. In two and a half months, the shell of the first building—financed by Jan Kelders himself—will stand on the 44-hectare Life Science Park. This rapid progress is partly due to the decision to choose Willy Naessens Nederland as the construction partner. This construction company handles the entire construction process in-house: from engineering and prefabrication to transportation and assembly. This vertically integrated approach ensures maximum control over quality, scheduling, and budget. “We manufacture the precast concrete elements in our factories in Belgium,” explains Erik Koremans, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer (CCSO) of Willy Naessens Nederland. “This ensures consistent quality and makes it possible to build exceptionally quickly and efficiently on the construction site.” “The experts at Willy Naessens Nederland also provide flexible input throughout the entire process,” says Kelders.
Jan Kelders launched this ambitious project at the Steenenburg estate—formerly known as Land van Ooit—driven by a personal motivation: his daughter has MS. His goal is to provide people with MS with high-quality diagnostics and care outside the traditional hospital setting. The MS Expertise Center (MS & Diagnostic Center) will be a clinic focused on diagnostics, medical treatment, and care in an accessible, comfortable, and friendly environment. The building will be barrier-free and will feature accessible restrooms, modern, patient-friendly MRI scanners and beds, and private parking spaces right outside the door. On the lush estate, Dirk Lips of Libéma has developed a hotel and dining facilities within Steenenburg Castle. Modern homes and apartments will also be built there.
The project initiator and Willy Naessens Nederland are partners and neighbors. For Jan Kelders, the construction company’s proven expertise, reliability, and track record were key reasons for collaborating. The company’s experience with commercial real estate in the healthcare sector also played a role. “We set ourselves apart with this type of concrete concept,” says Koremans. “Concrete is ideally suited for this type of real estate, where high standards are set for quality, appearance, sustainability, and technical performance, among other things.” The material’s high load-bearing capacity makes it suitable for heavy MRI equipment. In addition, concrete offers beneficial properties in terms of vibration control, sound insulation, and climate regulation.
This international family-owned construction company has strong regional roots and maintains an extensive network in North Brabant. For this project, Willy Naessens Nederland is working closely with Jan Kelders, the municipality of Heusden, and other local partners. “Our approach to construction and collaboration, combined with a strong belief in local entrepreneurship, is reflected in the lasting relationships we build,” says Koremans. “This project brings together a local initiative and a major social ambition. It allows us to apply our expertise in industrial and prefabricated construction to address a very specific healthcare need.”
The first healthcare facility is not a standalone project. The plan is to build a second, even larger MS & Diagnostic Center covering 3,400 m². Preparations are also already well underway for a second building at the Life Science Park, designed for startups in the medical field. “We are proud that, together with local partners and right next to our own office, we are building the MS & Diagnostic Center: a unique project with a high-quality appearance,” concludes Jeroen de Bonth, director of Willy Naessens Nederland.
