Client
Regie der Gebouwen
Location
Dendermonde, Belgium
Dendermonde Prison
Belgium's prisons faced serious overcrowding in the early 2000s, placing growing pressure on detention infrastructure. Dendermonde Prison was commissioned by the Belgium Buildings Agency as part of the Government's 2008 Masterplan for Detention in Humane Conditions - a 444-bed facility designed around rehabilitation, sustainability and the long-term wellbeing of detainees and staff.
Financial Close
February 2020
Construction Period
2020 - 2022
Concession Period
25 years
Handback
Oct-47
Client
Regie der Gebouwen
Location
Dendermonde, Belgium
Sponsor/Investor
Invesis
Consortium
Poort van Dendermonde
Engineering Procurement and Construction
BAM Interbuild BV
Operations and Maintenance
BAM Facility Management BV
Capital Value
€117m
Partnering with the Belgium Buildings Agency to design, build and maintain a landmark detention facility
Belgium's prison system had been under increasing pressure for many years, with overcrowding highlighting the urgent need for new, purpose-built facilities. The Belgian Government's 2008 Masterplan for Detention and Internment in Humane Conditions set out a programme to address this - and Dendermonde was one of its most significant projects.
In 2020, the Belgium Buildings Agency awarded the DBFM contract to Poort van Dendermonde, with Invesis as sole investor and SPV manager. Working with BAM Interbuild for construction and BAM Facility Management for a 25-year maintenance contract, the consortium delivered the 444-bed prison on time in October 2022 - a significant achievement given the challenges posed by COVID-19 during construction.
The prison was designed by THV Jaspers-Eyers, Stephane Beel and Archivolt Architects around core principles of clarity, daylight, orientation and safety - creating an environment that supports rehabilitation alongside security. Within its first year of operation, capacity was expanded by a further 44 places through active collaboration with the client.
Integrating solar energy, cogeneration and sustainable design to create an efficient and dignified facility
Dendermonde Prison was built with sustainability at the heart of its design. 774 solar panels installed across the rooftops generate 432 MWh of electricity per year, complemented by a cogeneration plant providing additional heat and electricity. Efficient insulation, underfloor heating and LED lighting throughout the complex all contribute to reducing energy consumption.
16 rainwater harvesting tanks with a combined capacity of 320,000 litres collect water for toilet flushing and laundry, supported by green roofs and low-flow fixtures. Prefabricated concrete was selected for the structural framework - durable, low-maintenance and enabling a faster build. An investigation into additional PV panels and EV charging infrastructure is currently under way with the client.
Designing for rehabilitation, community connection and long-term wellbeing in Dendermonde
- The prison was designed around a humane approach to detention, with natural light, outdoor access and purposeful spaces that support the rehabilitation and reintegration of detainees into society.
- Inmates are encouraged to participate in kitchen work, workshop projects and training sessions - with greenhouse and garden working spaces planned across all four garden areas of the cell blocks.
- An art competition during construction saw eight works by local artists selected and permanently integrated into the building, creating a lasting connection between the prison and its surrounding community.
- The project created approximately 250 jobs for people from the surrounding communities.
- An enlarged bicycle storage facility was completed at the end of 2024, encouraging staff and visitors to commute by bike.
- Minimal grass cutting is maintained across the grounds to support local biodiversity.
