The First Stone Act of the Faculty of Medicine, Before the End of the Month
Although initially not noticeable to pedestrians, construction has begun on the new educational building next to the hospital, according to sources from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). The companies in charge, Ferrovial and Construction Rehabilitation Artapen SL (EBA), have started preparations for the project and will begin visible work before August, starting with the perimeter fencing of the plot.
The UPV/EHU plans to celebrate the construction milestone with an official act of laying the first stone, although a specific date has not yet been determined. The Rectorate of the UPV/EHU is currently coordinating with the Basque Government to finalize the details. The Basque Department of Education will contribute over 62.17 million euros towards the construction of the unique triangular building, with the goal of becoming operational for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The project faced delays due to the economic effects of the war in Ukraine, resulting in the need for a new tender and an increased budget. The initial tender proposed a budget of 53.41 million euros, but the final contract was awarded to Ferrovial and Eraikuntza Birgaikuntza Artapen SL (EBA) for 64.1 million euros. The new building will accommodate the degrees of Medicine, Physiotherapy, and Nursing, as well as seven official master’s degrees in Health Sciences. It will also include an Advanced Center for University Training, Collaborative Research, and Knowledge Transfer in Health Sciences.
The building will be located on a triangular plot of approximately 5,300 square meters, bordered by the hospital, Montevideo avenue, and Gurtubay street. It will have a usable area of 32,000 square meters spread across five floors and a basement.