The Newton project is an example of the desire of the local authorities not to lose the industrial heritage of the Brussels Capital Region. They wish to attract small light industrial activities back into Brussels, and have developed 16 modules ranging from 250 to 500 m² in Anderlecht on the site of Paepsem industrial zone, very close to the Ring.

This project has attracted the attention of the Mipim organisors, and has made it to the finals of this year’s Mipim Awards in the category ‘Best industrial & Logistics development’. The specific characteristics which have made Newton such an outstanding development for citydev.brussels include the high degree of flexibility – for instance occupants can equip the interior space with technical areas or sanitary installations by simply connecting to the canalisation network provided. No pre-constructed interior partitioning is provided, adding even more flexibility for this important segment of Brussels economic life. With Newton, citydev.brussels is expecting to contribute to job creation in the Region. As its Managing Director Benjamin Cadranel points out: “With our new concept of flexible SME business parks, companies can take one or more modules according to their needs. We now offer a complete range of real estate services enabling us to assist companies during their start-up phase and as they develop”.

The architecture also designed by DDS & Partners together with the B.A.E.B architecture bureau features highly coloured facades, and particular attention has been paid to the surrounding areas with grassed zones and ease of access for vehicles. Sustainable development – a key factor in all citydev projects – has been very much a feature of Newton, and the buildings achieve a remarkable thermal insulation level of K28, well below the legislated K45.

The importance of Newton is illustrated by the fact that it was inaugurated in the presence of two of Brussels’ ministers at the time – Evelyne Huytebroeck (Environment) and Céline Frémault (Economy and Employment).