Maastricht construction director in Breda

Our colleague Ron Werné travels at least once and, if necessary, several times a week from his home town of Maastricht to Breda city centre, where he is supervising the transformation of the striking ‘Nieuwe Veste’ building. The complex is undergoing a genuine metamorphosis, from traditional public library to a cultural market hall.

Once the project is completed, the people of Breda will not only be welcome to relax in a new and trendy reading room café but they can also come to the Nieuwe Veste for concerts, theatrical performances and exhibitions.

How did MJb get involved in this project?

 ‘A few years ago, our team was responsible for managing the construction of Breda’s new public transport terminal, under contract to Netherlands Railways, ProRail and the City of Breda. Breda’s project manager was impressed by our approach and methods and introduced us to Gertjan Endedijk, director of the Nieuwe Veste.’ 

Exasperated

During the initial meeting, it transpired that Gertjan and his team were exasperated. They had spent the past two years discussing their wish to renovate the Nieuwe Veste. The architect (AHH) had no shortage of splendid ideas for reinvigorating the complex,  but even after several years of research and preparation, things had still not moved beyond the planning stage. The next step, coming up with a design and then an implementation plan, proved to be more difficult than they had anticipated. The tide had to turn, and they desperately needed a professional approach.  

The essential click

 ‘Four parties, including MJb, were asked to submit a proposal,’ explains Ron. ‘We had two meetings with the client to discuss our action plan. There was plenty of opportunity to emphasise how seriously we take our role as an independent construction director.  We naturally hear everyone out and we need to have everyone’s trust, but our strong sense of responsibility for both the process and the final result means that we can help with decision-making.  It became clear during the meetings that we clicked, and we think that click is what led them to entrust the project to our firm. We beat some big-name agencies. That’s pretty cool,’ Ron laughs.
 

 ‘The ideas floating around in Breda were fantastic. Turning them into reality was another matter altogether’

Appreciation

When asked whether MJb had delivered on expectations, Ron nods vigorously, adding, ‘Fortunately, we have. At an evaluation meeting, project manager Piet Coertjens, speaking on behalf of Nieuwe Veste, and director Gertjan Endedijk expressed unequivocal appreciation for our process and approach. We’re very proud of that, of course, but it’s no reason to just rest on our laurels.’

Implementation has started

 ‘Two years have passed,’ continues Ron. ‘The preparation phase has been completed and we’ve started the project implementation phase with our construction partners. The renovation will take about seven months. It’s a feasible schedule, but it’s ambitious too, because the Nieuwe Veste will remain open to the public while the work goes on.  Once the new cultural hall reopens in the autumn, we’ll certainly be getting together to toast the final result. I’m looking forward to hearing what the people of Breda think of it!’