New UKW building: Green light for new energy centre

This involves the construction of a new, highly efficient energy centre for the new building, as well as the technical infrastructure and logistical access. This means that around 714.9 million euros are available for the first two phases of construction. The first phase of construction, which had already been approved, comprises extensive work to clear the building site and preparations for construction logistics.

“This is yet another strong commitment to world-class medicine in Bavaria, specifically in Würzburg. This decision once again underlines the enormous commitment and ongoing support of the Free State of Bavaria and numerous members of the State Parliament for Würzburg University Hospital and the new building on the northern extension site,” emphasised Professor Tim J. von Oertzen, Medical Director and Chairman of the Executive Board of the UKW.

Bavaria’s Minister for Science, Markus Blume, was also delighted with the decision: “Things are moving at a rapid pace for our university hospitals – the Cabinet approved the plan at the end of June, and now, in mid-July, the State Parliament has already given the green light for Würzburg and other key measures. This is a clear commitment from the parliament and a decisive step: the Free State’s largest university hospital construction programme is now really gathering pace. Many thanks to our colleagues in the Bavarian State Parliament for their clear stance – we rightly hold world-class medicine dear to our hearts.”

Energy concept sets an example

The new energy centre on the northern extension site meets the very latest standards for a safe and sustainable energy supply. It relies exclusively on renewable energy sources. The energy concept includes, amongst other things, heat pumps, geothermal energy, ice storage and heat and cold storage systems. Naturally, the requirements for a reliable emergency power supply are also met. “With this energy concept, the UKW is also setting an example for other new hospital buildings when it comes to the use of renewable energy,” says Philip Rieger, Commercial Director of Würzburg University Hospital.

Back in April, the Budget Committee gave the green light for the first phase of development work on the northern extension site at Würzburg University Hospital. Before construction of the new hospital buildings in the first construction phase can begin, extensive site clearance is required. The measures include, for example, the construction of a temporary car park for the duration of the construction phase and an interim helipad, removal of topsoil and partial excavation, the construction of transformer stations to supply power to the site, the creation of access roads outside the construction site, and the laying of utility lines. The relocation of the car parks and the helipad is necessary as the future new building will be constructed on the land currently used for these purposes. Once these alternative areas are operational, preliminary excavation work will begin on the actual construction site. The project on the UKW’s northern extension site is one of the largest construction projects in Bavaria.

New building brings clinical departments together

The first construction phase on the UKW’s northern extension site, comprising 276 beds, will in future provide the departments of ear, nose and throat medicine, the eye clinic (both previously located in the Head Clinic) and gynaecology with appropriate operating theatres, intensive care beds and central facilities across a total usable area of approximately 30,000 square metres. This will create state-of-the-art facilities to replace the current premises, which date from the 1970s (Head Clinic) and the 1930s (Gynaecology Clinic) respectively.