Government to select architect to renovate Netherlands Court of Audit’s premises
The Central Government Real Estate Agency is going have the Court of Audit’s premises on Lange Voorhout in The Hague rebuilt so that the complex’s historically important buildings meet the demands of the 21st century. The procedure to select an architect to perform the groundwork for the renovation begins on 27 October 2020.
Part of the office complex, dating from the 14th century has the status of national monument and can boast a rich and varied history. The Court of Audit moved into the building in 1868. Lange Voorhout 8 is owned by the State of the Netherlands.
History combined with celebrated architecture
Buildings at the rear of the complex (on Kazernestraat) were demolished in the 1990s and a new extension was built under the direction of architect Aldo van Eyck. The front and rear buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries were retained on account of their monumental value. At the insistence of government agencies and others, various parts of the complex will also be retained now on account of their historical and architectural value. The premises do need to be modernised, however.
The Minister of the Interior will set aside a budget for the renovation.
Contract award procedure
The Central Government Real Estate Agency in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Government Architect and the tenant, the Court of Audit, will select a design team by means of a European tendering procedure. A contract should be awarded within a year. The building complex must have enough meeting and conference rooms and 245 workplaces. The team must also allow for the increase in working from home, spurred on by the COVID-19 crisis. The design must be completed in 2024. A new award procedure will then be held for the construction work. The Court of Audit will have to carry out its audits of the performance and operation of central government from another, temporary location elsewhere between 2024 and 2027. The Court should be able to move back into its premises on Lange Voorhout in the course of 2027.
