Call for architects for the conversion of the 'Espace beaulieu'

As part of the future redevelopment of the ‘Espace Beaulieu’ office buildings, AG Real Estate and Atenor, in collaboration with the BMA, are launching an architecture competition which aimed at transforming the existing buildings into a mixed, mostly residential complex.

The ‘Espace beaulieu’ consists of 3 buildings covering a total surface area of approximately 39,000 m² above ground with a basement area measuring 23,000 m². It occupies a prime location in Auderghem being located at one of the main entrances to Brussels, along the Herrmann-Debroux viaduct, which is to be demolished and transformed into an urban boulevard.

Built in the early 90’ies, the buildings were occupied by the European Commission for almost 30 years until 2020. The Commission did not renew the leases of the buildings. The major reasons of this move are the "green deal" and the rising of hybrid working. The European Commission set up plans, by 2030, to reduce the number of occupied buildings in the Brussels Region from 50 to 25 and to leave all satellite sites outside the European and North district. In so doing, the Commission should reduce the total offices spaces occupied from 780,000 m² to 580,000 m2.

Atenor acquired the buildings in 2019 with the original intention of extensively renovating these office buildings to meet current energy standards and working practices. Since then, the owners, Atenor and AG Real Estate, have decided to change the expected use of these offices buildings and convert them mainly into residential accommodation.

The selection of the architectural firms will take place in 3 stages: submission of bids on 22 December 2023. Five to seven candidates will have the chance to participate in a second phase. For the 14th of February they will elaborate their vision in detail. Only in the final phase, 3 to 5 teams will be asked to elaborate their project into a sketch design which will be presented on the 3rd of April 2024 (a remuneration of € 15,000 will be awarded to candidates who submitted a full proposal in the third stage and were not selected as the final winners). The successful bidder will be announced 2 weeks after.