UK consultant Turner & Townsend (T&T) has been appointed to programme manage the relocation of 1,750 staff to the new office of the European Patent Office (EPO) in the Hague.
The 80,000 square metre development is described as “one of the largest sustainable construction projects in the Netherlands” with a glass façade, and is hoping to achieve a BREEAM-NL rating.
The building replaces a 40-year-old tower that is no longer fit for purpose and will be demolished.
The EPO transition programme will take place over two years, with T&T involved in design, implementation and delivery “in order to ensure a smooth transition and minimum downtime”.
The consultancy will take responsibility for governance, assurance, risk and budget management and reporting. It will also provide senior and technical project management support, document management and facilities management procurement expertise.
The firm will provide strategic advisory and operational support to the local EPO facility management teams in the preparation of contracts for the transition to the new building and Rijswijk campus in South Holland.
Edda Franz, principal director of general administration for the EPO, said: “We are making this major investment to provide a long-term solution for the accommodation needs of our staff in Rijswijk. It will mean much-improved working conditions for them. Â
“T&T bring in a mixed and qualitative expertise as well as market knowledge to support a major transition and relocation of staff to a new sustainable building. This will enable us to continue our mission of supporting innovation in Europe.
The London-based consultant has previously delivered an EPO commission in Munich, where the intergovernmental organisation has its headquarters
The new building is expected to be completed in late 2017.
