The contracts with Fontys Hogeschool Journalistiek (which will build itself) and tenants (de Persgroep, Tilburg University, ROC Tilburg and publisher Zwijsen) have been signed. The tendering process for the project, budgeted at 27 million euros, has begun. The final design by Ector Hoogstad Architecten - who speak of a 'dream assignment' - is as good as ready. 

ACCOUNT OF COST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
The municipality - unlike usual - acts itself as developer and investor. The design phase did not produce any surprises or cost increases, says responsible alderman Berend de Vries (D66, Spoorzone, Economic Affairs). A tender is always something to wait and see, but with the budget we have taken into account the cost development in the construction industry plus a safety margin."

The project has been considerably delayed. Fontys initially demanded that the new building could be put into use as of the school year 2020/2021. The municipality now expects to award the construction contract in April 2020 and the contractor undertakes to have the building ready no later than November 8, 2021.  All parties have agreed to this," says De Vries.

TRUSSES OF HALL 70: HEART OF MINDLABS
Hall 70, right next to the LocHal, will soon be the heart of MindLabs. Or rather: the steel trusses of this hall. This will soon be the main space for meetings, collaboration and relaxation for the various partners in MindLabs.  Next to the hall, adjacent to the courtyard garden of De Boemel and RAW, a transparent new building of five floors will rise. The entrance will be on the side of the railroad line, where it is set back slightly to form a small square.  

MindLabs is 'a dream assignment' for Ector Hoogstad Architecten. Designing knowledge landscapes - where parties develop and share their expertise - is our passion," says Ector. What's special here is the collaboration between business and education; other cities can learn from this. And all that with the heritage of a beautiful railroad cathedral." 

A ONE-PIECE SPACE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
"Hall 70 looks like the LocHal" says Joost Ector on behalf of the Rotterdam architectural firm. "Yet the atmosphere there will be different. The hall is narrower and higher, the light falls in differently." This part of MindLabs will have a flat floor with a circulation on the second floor. "We try to make a one-piece space as much as possible. The use of materials is also different than in the LocHal." 

Mindlabs will be directly connected to the LocHal. The comparison with this widely acclaimed Spoorzone pearl will always be made, Ector realizes. "If people are just as satisfied with it, we will be too."