A brand new fire station in the heart of Dendermonde
“I have been working with Jan De Nul for 40 years”, says Staf Dams of Wirescon Europe. Today, he is pouring a 1,270 m², 25 cm thick concrete foundation slab. And nothing or nobody can stop him, even though he is turning 80 later this year. “This morning the alarm went off at 3 am. We started working here at 5 am. Normally the concreting and polishing of the foundation slab should be finished this evening.”
Yet Staf’s age is not the only unique feature in the construction sector. He is carrying out the works in Dendermonde together with his son and grandson. Three generations working on the same site. “My son and grandson are mainly specialised in laying screed and polyurethane. But if I’m in need, they come and help me. And that is working well. The succession in the concrete sector is assured.”
Guaranteeing overall quality
When building a fire station, many parties come together: the architect Artex – engineers and architects, the main contractor with its subcontractors, the employer, City of Dendermonde – in cooperation with the ultimate user Fire Brigade East (Brandweerzone Oost). It is Jan De Nul’s task to streamline the cooperation between all parties. “Behind the scenes, we make sure that the quality is guaranteed”, says project manager Steven De Brabanter. “We translate the requirements of the city and the architect into specific guidelines for the subcontractors. This is also necessary: the structure of the equipment station in combination with the building is quite complex. This requires, among other things, a specific dimensioning and execution process. We coordinate and monitor the correct progress of the works. ”
Nine gates
The existing fire station was demolished in April 2021. In September 2022, the new fire station will be delivered. A moment both the city of Dendermonde and the fire brigade are eagerly looking forward to. “In the past we always had to puzzle out how to place all vehicles properly”, says Operations Director Frank Van Droogenbroeck. “Now we can place the vehicles in the order in which they should drive out. This increases efficiency during our interventions.” “The expansion to 9 exit gates is indeed the biggest change”, first alderman Leen Dierick adds. “The building itself is also designed in such a way that the firefighters can change clothes and mobilise as soon as possible.”
By working on the same site, the Dendermonde fire brigade remains located in the city centre. “A conscious choice”, Leen Dierick explains. “We are in the beating heart of the city here, close to the residents. And yet, we are also located close to a traffic artery for easy access in case of an intervention. Together with the fire brigade and the Flemish Region, we have thoroughly studied mobility. Administration, visitors and personnel are mainly located on the side of the shopping street, while the busy traffic artery on the other side ensures a quick departure. This is a huge advantage, which we want to play to the maximum.”
