Immobel & BPI Real Estate obtain building permit for Brouck'R project
BPI Real Estate and Immobel have obtained a building permit for the development of the Brouck’R project. The two developers will transform the former Allianz offices, which overlook the Place De Brouckère, into a mixed project that meets the demand for high-quality living and working in the city of Brussels. Combining offices, shops, a hotel, apartments and student accommodation, the city, developers and architects aim to attract a diverse public and bring back a dynamic edge to one of Brussels’ most historic neighbourhoods.
Revitalizing the city centre
Top-notch quality of living and working in the city is in high demand. Given this trend, several profound changes have taken place in Brussels in recent years, such as the enlarged pedestrian zone in the city centre. The latest project in this list is the redevelopment of the well-known Place De Brouckère. The vibrant new Brouck’R project will attract various groups of people, including residents, employees, businesses, retailers, students and more. The ground floor will be redesigned in such a way that the shops and services located there will cause the Place de Brouckère to burst with socio-economic life.
“With this mixed, mainly residential initiative, we are responding to the urgent need for additional housing in a highly sought-after neighbourhood. The site is now predominantly centred around office activities. Our project will change that drastically and truly transform the area into a multifunctional urban living space with a lively and dynamic buzz 24/7,” says Immobel Belgium CEO Adel Yahia.
Respecting our heritage
Situated just a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, the Place de Brouckère is a historic part of the city. With respect for the existing property and for the Brussels heritage connected to the site, Immobel and BPI Real Estate will transform the buildings in their entirety. The complex will reflect a mix of Brussels’ eclectic buildings with contemporary architecture. The latest insights and developments within the field of sustainable urban policy are also taken into account.
A green oasis at the heart of Brussels
The Brouck’R project aims to bring life, work and play back into a historic area that is under full development. The complex is designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen and the Brussels-based A2RC Architects. It is characterized by surprising volumes and the use of various materials, offering abundant open space, light and air. The project is located in the popular, vibrant and car-free city centre of Brussels. This makes ease of access and general mobility a crucial aspect of the project. As such, the project envisions no fewer than 550 parking spaces for bicycles (including 52 for cargo bicycles) and an underground car park for local residents. The design puts the underground to full use in order to meet the mobility needs of both the project itself and the neighbourhood at large.
“We chose to limit the project mobility impact and to create a green environment that will provide a healthy and pleasant place to live and work, in close contact with nature while being in the city centre. Our choices in technical equipment and materials reduce the ecological footprint of the project. In doing so, we aim to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” says Jacques Lefèvre, CEO BPI Real Estate.
The complex contains large green spaces. Generous gardens on the ground level, green walls, and a sizeable courtyard bring light and air into the neighbourhood. By doing so, the project contributes to making the city greener and its air cleaner, aiming to add to the city’s biodiversity. In addition, the latest sustainable technologies are being introduced, including solar technology and a geothermal energy system.
In a nutshell
With this innovative and ambitious project, both BPI and Immobel aim to transform this site into a revitalized, sustainable and accessible neighbourhood. With attention given both to a green environment and to mobility, the Brouck’R project integrates into the streetscape perfectly. Construction is due to begin by the end of 2021.
Technical data sheet
- Developers: BPI Real Estate and Immobel (50/50)
- Architects: Henning Larsen Architects (Denmark) - A2RC Architects (Belgium)
- Programme: total 37,967 m² (today: 43,700 m²)
- 176 apartments
- 129 student rooms
- Hotel with 152 rooms
- Office building of 6,850 m²
- 3,365 m² retail space
More info: www.brouck-r.be