Gateway of Dendermonde

New prison embracing humane and evolving vision of detention

On behalf of the Régie des Bâtiments, Interbuild, in the consortium BAM PPP, concluded a contract for the realization of this project. It involves a prison that will accommodate 444 male inmates. The prison was realized through a "DBFM contract," which stands for "Design," "Build," "Finance" and "Maintain." This is a public-private partnership in which a private partner (in this case, the BAM PPP consortium) is responsible for the design, construction, financing and maintenance of the prison for 25 years. At the end of the contract, the federal state takes over the prison.

The concept of this prison is innovative and consistent with a humane and evolving vision of detention. That vision focuses on preparing the inmate for reintegration into society. The prison looks like one whole, but at the same time the separate functions remain distinguishable from each other. This contributes to a good sense of orientation and stimulates a sense of community.

Work started in August 2020 and the prison was fully completed by the end of 2022. The first year was focused on the construction of the shell building. Once this was finished, the various buildings were made wind and watertight and equipped with the necessary techniques. In addition to the main building, an entrance building, a parking lot and a perimeter wall are now showing off.

The complex is located in the area situated between the Oud Klooster, the Dendermonde/Ghent railroad line and the Dender.

A prison requires extensive maintenance. Since completion, BAM fm has been responsible for the complete management and maintenance of the prison (with the exception of guarding the inmates). An extensive team is permanently at the prison to be on the ball in case of any problems or technical challenges. BAM fm is responsible for maintenance for 25 years.