- Campus
- 01/10/2025
Gemini South closed two and a half years due to renovation
The renovation of Gemini South has been in progress since January. However, until now the empty building could still be used as a shortcut to get from one building to another. As of October 3, this will no longer be possible: from then on the walkways between Gemini South and MetaForum, Ceres and Flux will be closed for the next two and a half years. The main entrance and the walkways to Gemini North will follow a week later. So, be prepared to take a detour.
If you’ve been paying attention, you may have already seen them: the signs hanging on the walkways leading to Gemini South. They read: “This entrance will be closed as of October 3.” And not just for a short while — the closure will last until early 2028.
The building, which dates back to 1972, no longer meets current standards. In addition, asbestos was found. For this reason, Gemini South will undergo a major renovation — one that requires time. Two and a half years, to be precise.
Walkways closed
Gemini South is connected by walkways to four buildings: MetaForum, Ceres, Flux and Gemini North. As of October 3, the walkways to the first three buildings will all be closed. Only in Gemini North — which shares three walkways with Gemini South — one walkway will remain open a little bit longer. “The middle walkway will stay accessible for as long as the temporary entrance in Gemini North has not yet been opened,” explains Annelien Besijn, communications officer at Campus & Facilities.
Temporary entrance
Gemini North currently has no main entrance of its own; the only way to enter the building is through Gemini South. That’s why a temporary entrance is being constructed on the north side of Gemini North. Once that is ready, the third walkway between the two buildings and the main entrance of Gemini South will also close. “We aim to open the temporary entrance on October 6,” says Besijn.
During the renovation period, the Gemini reception desk — now located in Gemini South — will move to Gemini North. Once the renovated Gemini South is delivered and reopened in 2028, the reception will move back, and the temporary Gemini North entrance will be closed.
Renovation
The residents of Gemini South — mainly from the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering — had already moved to temporary locations earlier this year. The real renovation work will start once Gemini South is fully disconnected from the surrounding buildings. “We will begin with clearing out the building, such as removing network equipment and installation components,” according to an internal announcement on Sharepoint. From January 1, 2026, the actual demolition work will begin.
The completion of the renovated Gemini South, along with the reopening of the main entrance and walkways, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028.
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