BAM to build squadron building for Defence Helicopter Command in Den Helder
Contract awarded by the Central Government Real Estate Agency represents a value of €49 million
Bunnik - BAM has been awarded the contract to build a squadron building for the Defence Helicopter Command (DHC) at De Kooy Naval Air Station in Den Helder. The project, which is being carried out on behalf of the Central Government Real Estate Agency, starts today and comprises the integrated construction of a future-proof building of approximately 12,500 square metres. The project follows a number of recent contracts secured for Defence, in a market that is expected to grow further in the coming years.
In addition to offices, a workshop and storage areas, the new accommodation for 860 Squadron will include a hangar with several maintenance positions and a wash dock for NH90 helicopters. BAM will dismantle the existing squadron building and reuse materials released during demolition. This will give the roof girders from the old hangar, the sun shading and the concrete elements a second life. BAM will also redevelop the site.
To speed up construction, BAM will use an innovative building method in which walls and columns are manufactured in the factory and assembled on site. The building will be designed to be demountable and easily adaptable to future needs. Combined with the use of zero-emission equipment, this approach will lead to reduced CO₂ emissions compared to traditional construction methods.
Carla Rodenburg, Chief Operating Officer of BAM Nederland, said: ‘We are proud to be working for Defence once again. For BAM, this is an interesting market in which we aim to grow further in the coming years. This contract also aligns well with our role at Commandopost Vastgoed, where market parties and the Central Government Real Estate Agency are working together on the major defence construction challenge. In Den Helder, we are building an innovative and sustainable facility, which aligns well with defence projects secured earlier this year, including the aircraft engine test facility at Eindhoven Airport and a multifunctional building with a fully timber structure for the Royal Netherlands Army in Wezep.’
The contract with the Central Government Real Estate Agency for the realisation of the squadron building is worth €49 million. BAM is also working on this project with BoschSlabbers, Haskoning, cepezed, Bork Groep and abtWassenaar. The naval air station will remain operational during construction.
