New building for The Hague
The EPO plans to construct a new building for some 1 750 staff next to
its existing premises at the Plaspoelpolder in Rijswijk,
the Netherlands.
A decision on the future of the EPO building in The Hague had become necessary due to natural ageing of the 40-year-old building, exacerbated by recent harsh winters. The old tower will be demolished once the new building has been completed, to facilitate removals for the staff concerned
Bidders selected
The EPO has launched a "two-stage restricted tender with a pre-qualification phase" to select a consortium of companies to take charge of the design, engineering and construction work for its new building in The Hague.
The initial pre-qualification phase closed at the end of February 2012 and ten consortiums were invited to participate in the first stage of the tender procedure proper. They had to submit their bids by early July. Three of the consortiums will now be selected to participate in the second, collaborative phase of the tender.
The selected consortiums are composed of internationally renowned architects, engineering companies and large construction firms able to develop the project from architectural design to detailed technical specifications, and later to implement the selected design up to final delivery to the EPO. Covering some 41 000 m2 and entailing an investment in excess of EUR 200m, the new building will offer a modern and flexible working environment.
A final decision on the design of the new building is due to be taken by the end of March 2013. The design and construction work will then start and is expected to last until 2016/17.
This page will be regularly updated with further news about the project as it progresses.
European Patent Office to erect a new building in Rijswijk (Press release of 30.6.2011)
Jury decision another milestone on road to new EPO building in Rijswijk (Press release of 10.8.2012)