Courthouse Almelo
New Courthouse for Almelo
The Dutch Government Real Estate Agency has awarded the construction of the new courthouse in Almelo to Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo, commissioned by the Council for the Judiciary and the District Court of Overijssel. The design is by Paul de Ruiter Architects and i29 interior architects. After an extensive dialogue phase, the team’s proposal was rated the best by the evaluation committee. Construction began in November 2024.
Twentse Hospitality
The current courthouse on Egbert Gorterstraat is outdated and no longer meets modern standards, particularly regarding energy performance. The new design will be located at the corner of Egbert Gorterstraat and Stationsstraat, opposite Almelo station. It will be an impressive, inviting, and functional courthouse with a touch of Twentse hospitality. The goal is to provide a pleasant and safe working environment for court staff and their partners, such as lawyers, the press, and the Public Prosecution Service.
12 Courtrooms, Detention Complex, and Parking Garage
The new courthouse is organized around a grand central atrium featuring extensive use of wood. Surrounding the atrium are two large courtrooms with ample public facilities and viewing galleries, as well as four medium-sized courtrooms and six smaller ones. To highlight the connection to Almelo’s location and textile history, textiles will be integrated into the building’s design. Additionally, one of the smaller courtrooms will incorporate the preserved Firmanten style room from the former Ten Cate textile factory office.
The upper floors of the courthouse will feature more than 180 workstations, a restaurant, and various meeting facilities. Beneath the building, a detention complex will connect directly to the courtrooms, alongside a parking garage with 72 spaces.
Design, Build & Maintain
Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo’s proposal was selected after an intensive evaluation process based on sustainability, quality, and cost considerations. The project will follow a DBM (Design, Build, and Maintain) contract, meaning Dura Vermeer will oversee the design, construction, and maintenance of the building. The design builds on a preliminary concept developed by the Government Real Estate Agency in collaboration with the judiciary. This concept has been further refined by a project team that includes Dura Vermeer Techniek, Paul de Ruiter Architects, DWA, Lucassen, Draaijer, ALBA Concepts, Meelis en Partners, and interior architect i29. The new courthouse is expected to open in early 2028.
