Scandinavian contractor Veidekke has been commissioned to construct a new environmentally certified city hall in Holmestrand, Norway.

The turnkey contract is valued at Nkr160m ($14.2m), excluding VAT, and is awarded by Bane NOR Eiendom, a Norwegian hub developer.

Located near the city's central train station, the new hall marks the first phase of a larger long-term area development in Holmestrand.

Veidekke Bygg Vestfold and Telemark district manager Lars N Hjertås said: “We have patiently waited for all aspects of the project to be clarified, so now we are very excited that we can start the construction.

"The city hall will provide better services to the municipality, residents, and visitors, and the project will employ more than 70 of our own employees at the busiest times plus many local partners.”

Spanning 5,950m² across four floors, the building is designed to meet the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM)-NOR Very Good standard with an energy class A rating.

Sustainable and eco-friendly options will be used to optimise space usage, incorporate smart energy solutions, and enable reuse, reducing waste or the need for replacements if the building's use changes in the future.

The design work for the development is in progress, with construction set to commence early next month and handover scheduled for late 2026.

The contract will be included in Veidekke's order book for the first quarter of 2025.

Earlier this month, Veidekke secured a contract from US-based investment company HIG Capital to transform an office building into a hotel in Stavanger, Norway.

Last month, Veidekke won the competitive bid for the first phase of constructing an emergency building and municipal health centre in Kristiansand, also in Norway.