The Bridge reaches its highest point at Utrecht Science Park
Utrecht, 8 October 2026 – Kadans Science Partner (“Kadans”) and its project partners celebrated The Bridge reaching its highest point at Utrecht Science Park. Kadans is developing the building in cooperation with its tenant Utrecht University, creating a future-focused environment for research, education, and collaboration.
Yesterday, Kadans, BAM, Utrecht University, and the other project partners marked this important milestone in the development of The Bridge. The celebration began with a barbecue for the construction team, recognising the commitment and craftsmanship of everyone helping to bring the building to life.
Guests were later welcomed to the construction site for speeches and an official ceremony. By raising a banner together, the project partners symbolically marked the building reaching its highest point.
Giving an existing structure a new purpose
Kadans is developing The Bridge for Utrecht University while retaining the concrete frame of the former Earth Sciences building. Rather than starting from scratch, the existing structure is being carefully adapted to create a modern and flexible environment that meets the university’s requirements.
The future building will include specialised laboratories, offices, meeting rooms, and an open atrium. Together, these facilities will provide Utrecht University’s researchers, students, and other users with the space and infrastructure they need to conduct research, exchange knowledge, and collaborate.
Retaining the original concrete frame requires close cooperation between Kadans and its technical and construction partners. The structure has been thoroughly reassessed and is being reinforced where required. Carbon-fibre reinforcement is being applied beneath parts of the floors to prepare the existing load-bearing structure for the building’s future use.
“Reaching the highest point is an important moment for everyone working on The Bridge. It demonstrates what we can achieve together when the client, designers, consultants, construction partners, and colleagues from different disciplines work closely together. At The Bridge, we are quite literally building on what is already there. This requires technical creativity, an integrated approach, and trust in one another’s expertise. This milestone is therefore a true achievement of the entire team,” stated Eric Moleman, Managing Director, BAM Bouw en Techniek – Projecten.
“For Utrecht University, The Bridge is a place designed to bring people, disciplines and ideas together,” said René den Houting, Deputy Director, Campus & Facilities at Utrecht University. “Because we believe that scientific breakthroughs do not happen in isolation: they grow through curiosity, exchange and unexpected encounters. The Bridge will create the environment in which our researchers can connect, collaborate and push the boundaries of knowledge.”
“The Bridge reflects our ambition to create future-focused environments where research, education and collaboration can thrive. By retaining and transforming the existing structure, we are developing a building that responds to the specific needs of Utrecht University while also creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and connection. Reaching the highest point is an example of the intensive and successful cooperation between all involved parties,” said Johan van Gerven, Country Lead Development NL & BE at Kadans Science Partner.
A new environment for Utrecht University
Through The Bridge, Kadans is creating a new environment for Utrecht University that supports research, education, and knowledge exchange at Utrecht Science Park. The development reflects Kadans’ expertise in creating purpose-built spaces that respond to the specific needs of universities and research organisations.
Utrecht University will take the building into use following its completion. The specialised facilities and shared spaces will create opportunities for researchers, students and other users to meet, share expertise and work together across disciplines.
In a later phase, The Bridge is also intended to accommodate start-ups and scale-ups working in the sustainability sector. Their presence will further strengthen the connections between research and entrepreneurship within the building.
By bringing these different users together, The Bridge will contribute to the continued development of Utrecht Science Park as a leading environment for research and innovation. The project also demonstrates how Kadans can transform an existing structure into a future-ready building that fits the university’s specific needs.
Developed through close collaboration
Reaching the highest point is the result of close collaboration between Kadans Science Partner and the many colleagues, construction workers, advisers, and partners involved in the project. As the developer, Kadans is working with BAM Bouw en Techniek, cepezed as architect, and Arcadis as structural engineer and building services adviser. Together, the partners are combining their knowledge and expertise to create a high-quality research environment for Utrecht University.
Following this milestone, work will continue on the next stages of the development. Step by step, The Bridge is taking shape as a new home for research, education, and collaboration at Utrecht Science Park.
