Heijmans part of consortium 'Elisabeth' to build concert hall in Antwerp (BE)

Heijmans Belgium, part of the consortium 'Elisabeth', has acquired the contract for the construction of a concert hall and convention center in Antwerp's city center. The complex, the 'Elisabeth Center Antwerp', forms part of the halls of the Antwerp ZOO (Royal Zoology Society), covers a 25,000 m² area and has room for 2,000 seats. Besides Heijmans, the building combination is formed together with Willemen General Contractor and Verstraeten & Vanhecke. Heijmans' share of the contract is valued at approximately € 25 million. A unique element of the building contract is the combination of modern technology and the renovation of historical heritage. One of the largest challenges of the contract is the acoustics within the complex. Furthermore, the new building's design is extremely efficient. For example, any desired configuration and capacity can be created in between performances. In addition, the complex will entirely be built with sustainable materials, and energy efficiency, for example through means of roof vegetation, is a priority. The Queen Elisabeth Hall will become the home base of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic. Construction will start within the next few months and the new concert and convention building is expected to open its doors in 2016.
Source: Heijmans