The expansion of the Aletta Jacobshal (extra lecture halls and examination spaces) has begun. Contractor BAM Bouw en Techniek has started work on the construction site, which includes the closure of a section of the adjacent pond. The construction work is scheduled to be completed in February 2020. The new facilities of the Aletta Jacobshal can then be put into use from mid-2020 onwards.

Extra examination spaces and lecture halls

During an information meeting on Wednesday 3 October 2018, the University of Groningen - together with the architect of Onix NL and the contractor BAM - explained the plans for the extension of the Aletta Jacobshal. As announced, the Aletta Jacobshal will have two more lecture halls, providing 650 extra seats, and a room fitted with 590 digital examination desks. The expansion will provide some 5,400 m2 (bruto) extra space – almost doubling the current capacity. In addition, the bicycle parking will be expanded, a study environment will be created and there will be significantly more waiting room for students. A better climate control system will also significantly improve the indoor climate in the existing foyer.

The building will be connected to a geothermal energy storage system for sustainable heating and cooling. The project also includes the installation of 576 solar panels on the roof.

Temporary closing of the pond

The new part of the building will be constructed against the south-eastern side of the existing hall, extending partly into the adjacent pond. To this end, a section of the pond will be closed in the coming period by filling it with sand (see also this video about the layout of the construction site). After the completion of the construction project, the pond will be restored.

Limiting construction nuisance

Construction nuisance can never be entirely excluded, but it can be limited. To this end, the University has taken measures together the contractor, such as nuisance-limiting measures regarding the location and layout of the construction site as well as the logistics and working methods. Working agreements have also been made on periods of ‘no construction nuisance’ (i.e. during examination weeks, noise-producing activities are avoided) and periods of permitted construction nuisance (i.e. during regular lecture weeks, construction nuisance is possible until 3 p.m.). Any additional examinations can then be scheduled after 3 p.m. during regular lecture weeks.

For more information about the construction project, visit:
www rug.nl/GroundbreakingWork