Contracting agreement signed: Construction Rootz can start

After an intensive selection procedure that lasted a few months, the contract for the construction of Rootz – the knowledge centre that will be built at Business Centre Treeport in Zundert – has been signed. This means that the construction of the centre can start—a special milestone, which will be celebrated.

Contractor Selection
In order to find the right contractor for the construction of the Rootz knowledge centre, an extensive selection procedure has been followed. This started at the end of 2022; three construction companies were given the opportunity to present themselves via a pitch. A wide group was present and assessed the pitches on many different points. This was followed by the opportunity to present a written addition to the pitch.

Finally, after an additional pitch, Moeskops' Bouwbedrijf BV was chosen. Then, a construction team was formed, the main ideas were laid out, a preliminary design was created, the permit application was drawn up, the design was finalized, and we can now actually start construction. The knowledge centre is expected to be completed in one year's time. In the intervening period, we will continue working on the plans for the design of the building and the surrounding grounds.

Innovative, circular, and sustainable
The knowledge centre will be one of the most important parts of the Business Centre Treeport (BCT) in Zundert. The BCT has become the heart of the European tree cultivation industry, and this centre has become the heart of the company area. It is positioned in a heart-shaped park (50% on the Dutch side and 50% on the Belgian side) with an edge of trees. It will be innovative, circular, and sustainable.

The building will become a multifunctional accommodation (MFA) with space for various users. The modular structure allows for different floor plans. This could include a restaurant, exhibition space (tree cultivation), flexible office spaces, study rooms, classrooms, and laboratories. The ambition is to create a circular building, created using sustainable wooden construction. In addition, bio-based and plant-based materials are used. The relationship with tree cultivation is visible in the large atrium, where there is room for special trees, which are visible throughout the building. The (green) outdoor space will be equipped with test fields, a helophyte filter, and a greenhouse and climate chamber.

The knowledge centre will be created to be able to facilitate sector-related activities. This includes plant research, vertical farming, research into ingredients, robotization, energy and bio-based construction, soil and water analyses, and much more.

Special moment during GrootGroenPlus 2023
The fact that the construction of Rootz will finally start is, of course, an important milestone in the entire development process of BCT. It will become a special building in which the client and the contractor will find each other in the choice of materials, the innovative aspect, and the connection with tree cultivation and the region.

During the signing by Marcel Oerlemans on behalf of Moeskops' Bouwbedrijf BV and Chantal van Kuyck on behalf of Treeport BCT Partners BV, it was already reported that it called for a special celebration. This will take place during the 33rd edition of GrootGroenPlus, which will be held from 4 to 6 October - the trade fair for professionals in the green, where the entire industry will be present. More information about this celebration will follow soon.