Client: RSL Construct (JV Coussée and ION)
Location: Roeselare
Execution period: Start early 2023 – completion in Q2 2025
The former Heilig-Hart Hospital in Roeselare, a place associated with memories for many, is making way for a new chapter. Verhelst Aannemingen was commissioned by RSL Construct to dismantle and completely demolish the hospital in a safe, efficient, and sustainable manner.
The work was carried out in two major phases. The first phase focused on preliminary dismantling, preparing the building for asbestos removal and later demolition. In the second phase, the existing asbestos was expertly removed, with most of it located in plasterwork that had to be removed in hermetically sealed zones. This required a very precise and controlled approach to ensure the safety of the surrounding environment.
A significant project
HTML
The project was of a significant scale. In total, 22,000 m² of plaster was removed in hermetically sealed zones, along with 30,000 m² of drywall. The demolition volume of the hospital was no less than 174,500 m³. The demolition also resulted in 16,000 m³ of rubble, 21,000 m³ of concrete, and 540 tons of wood being freed up.
Sustainability trumps
Sustainability played a central role in this project. The old roofing was recycled and brought back to the factory to make new roofing. In addition, we collaborated with a student from Ghent University who researched the reusability of insulation materials. He investigated, among other things, whether certain insulation elements could remain in place or be recovered, depending on their quality upon removal.
The progress of the demolition works
To minimize the inconvenience for the neighborhood, it was decided to execute all works — from dismantling to asbestos removal — from the central courtyard. To make this courtyard easily accessible, the central naves 'V' and 'P' were removed first. A passage was created in block A to easily evacuate materials and debris. Only after the courtyard was cleared did the actual demolition of the surrounding buildings begin.
An impressive array of machinery was used for the demolition. We worked with bobcats and mini excavators for dismantling, and two large demolition cranes — one with a reach of up to 37 meters. During peak times, up to seven cranes were operating simultaneously, including crushers, sorting grabs, and cranes with concrete shears. It was a busy, well-orchestrated construction site.
An additional challenge was the presence of an underground stream beneath blocks A and I. Because it was not visible, the heavy machinery needed to be positioned carefully to maintain stability. The location in an urban environment also brought extra attention points, such as dust and noise control, especially in the vicinity of a school. Thanks to smooth communication with the City of Roeselare, the permit applications and coordination went exceptionally efficiently.
