The major renovation of the Ministry of Finance in The Hague has been voted the best PPP model project of the past ten years.

Safire consortium with Strukton, Burgers Ergon, ISS in Dutch Infrastructure Fund and Meyer and Van Schooten Architects, took on 7 September 2011 the PPP award received from Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen. This award is an initiative of Building Business and IPFA (International Project Finance Association).

The Dutch PPP Award 2011 is awarded to the consortium Safire and public clients (RGD and Ministry of Finance). The other nominees were the The Hague Regional Wastewater and the A59. The jury, chaired by Ed Nijpels, the most prize to the renovation of the Ministry of Finance. This is considered a real breakthrough project. "There is a reversal: investing in the building to operate cheaper. There is money saved on the project and has opened the market for housing. "

The Treasury Building is transformed in just two years (2007-2008) from a closed and inaccessible building, in a modern, transparent, flexible and sustainable ministry. It is a good example of reuse in which the past has not been polished, the future is decisive and the user is put central. The construction is completed on time and within budget, and the architectural quality is maintained. The RGD and Safire signed a DBFMO contract. Safire is not only responsible for design, construction and financing but also for the operation, maintenance, facilities management and energy for 25 years.

New standards
New standards development organization and is the first PPP project for the government accommodation and thus direction for current and future projects. For this project, new standards have been developed (WO DBFMO contract, output specifications, payment mechanisms, monitoring) applied to other housing projects. In addition, experience with setting up the proper development and service organization for this type of project.

Intensive cooperation
Rogier Joosten, SPC Manager Safire: "The main hurdle in this project is that it concerns a pilot. This requires a completely different way of working, thinking and intensive collaboration between the parties. The process and products used were new. The success of the project is largely due to the tremendous dedication and investment of the various project teams and the shared drive to make it a success. The financiers who dared to stabbing their necks, are laudable."

The intensive cooperation with the public clients is essential. "Not only during the construction phase, but also now we are operational. This trust offers the opportunity to learn and to perfect our services. Learning experience that will be useful for other PPP projects. This reward is therefore for all parties involved."

Safire
Safire consists of Strukton, Burgers Ergon, ISS and Dutch Infrastructure Fund.
• Technical team: Strukton Construction, Worksphere, Burgers Ergon, Cofely, Meyer and Van Schooten Architects, Arup and Peutz.
• Finance team: Strukton, ABN AMRO Bank, Dutch Water Bank, Allen & Overy.
• Legal team: Strukton, Allen & Overy. Client: The Government Buildings Agency and the Ministry of Finance.