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Update and video about new University Library: basement nearing completion

11 June 2021

The new University Library will reach another milestone when the basement is completed at the end of summer this year. Contractor BINX Smartility will then start the final phase of construction.
Credits: MVSA Architects and Architectenbureau J. van Stigt

Basement under new University Library nearly ready

It will have taken two years to renew the building’s foundations and create the basement and sunken atrium. This has been a complex process, carried out with architectural precision and expertise. The blue steel beams (visible in the time-lapse video) inserted through this monumental building’s walls are designed to hold it together. With the new foundations and basement walls ready, these beams are now being removed one by one. Although a tense process, it is progressing well so far. The new contractor is already putting preparations in place for the above-ground part of the building. A new tower crane will arrive at the Binnengasthuisterrein at the beginning of August 2021. One of the first jobs will be to repair brickwork. 

The basement will create a lot of extra space, which will be used to accommodate a bicycle shed and a loud study area, etc. The library's lending centre (pick up & return), which is currently in the 'red room' at the University Library Singel, will relocate to the basement too. The sunken atrium will be a multifunctional space.

Preparations for the move to the new University Library

The move to the new University Library in 2023 might seem a long time away, but it isn’t! The New Library Team is currently identifying all projects connected with the move to the new building. The relocation of the collections held at the University Library and PC Hoofthuis is just one, huge example of these projects. As you might expect, the staff who will work in the new University Library will be involved in these projects or actively participate in projects and sub-projects. 

The technical design for the interior has now been finalised and the tendering procedures for furniture and bookcases can begin. After the summer break, staff will be able to go along to a 'model room' at the University Library Singel to see and test out mock-ups and sample furniture. Staff can already see an example of a new meeting room in the Belle van Zuylenzaal at the University Library Singel.

We will, of course, keep you up to date on all the latest developments! We hope to be able to slowly resume tours after the summer break. For a construction update, see the time-lapse video. 

Additional information is available from campus.uva.nl