ION and Eaglestone to redevelop the former head office of the Construction Federation at Rue du Lombard

ION and Eaglestone are going to redevelop the former head office of the Construction Federation (Confédération Construction), which is relocating to Avenue des Arts 20 in 2022. Through a major renovation programme, the two developers will transform the property at Rue du Lombard 34/42 into an office building with a contemporary design and high environmental quality.

The public limited company “Immobilière Nationale de la Construction” owns the emblematic building in the historic city centre. In an excellent location, very close to the Grand Place, opposite the Brussels Parliament and only a few hundred metres from Gare Centrale, this building is just a stone’s throw from many public transport links, several car parks, shops and restaurants.

The city centre is currently experiencing a renaissance thanks to the renovation of all the public spaces and the creation of a new pedestrianised zone, which is infusing the area with a lively and friendly atmosphere.

Strong identity and respect for heritage

The building, which dates from the 1970s and has a total surface area of 8,250m² spread across 8 floors, will retain its function as an office and also retain its underground car park. The developers chose the Brussels-based architects’ firm A2RC to lead this project, which involves a major realignment programme to create the ideal building while preserving the existing property’s heritage.

Later this year, a permit application for the building will be submitted, including:
– the construction of an atrium in order to maximise the natural light, while conserving the façade and creating a new, high-quality inside space with a strong identity and contemporary design,
– a flexible concept that can adapt to all types of occupants,
– the opening up of a rooftop, boasting superb views of the Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles and offering high-quality outside spaces.

Alongside the realisation of certain technical and architectural characteristics, the project aims to meet the latest requirements in terms of sustainable development such as BREEAM Outstanding certification, carbon neutrality and zero use of fossil fuels. The project, which will require an investment of over 50 million euros, will be delivered over the course of 2023. The Construction Federation commissioned consultants Key Estates (Dick Dekeyzer) and REDIM (Damien le Grelle) to implement this deal.

“ION is delighted with this deal, as it aligns perfectly with our strategy of developing buildings of high architectural value in a sustainable way, with a strong focus on innovation. We have big ambitions for the project, which will become a reference on the market. Just a short walk from Gare Centrale, the building will offer an excellent solution to both private and public sector bodies looking for high-quality flex offices that are easily accessible with public transport,” says Kristof Vanfleteren, CEO of ION. He underlines that: “Eaglestone and ION share the same vision of developing an outstanding building and thereby helping to tackle contemporary environmental and social challenges.”

“This flagship deal in the city centre cements Eaglestone’s position as an intra-urban actor delivering large-scale projects with a strong environmental dimension,” confirms Nicolas Orts, co-CEO of Eaglestone Group. “We’re delighted to go into partnership with ION for the first time. This collaboration is a perfect illustration of our synergies and our shared vision of urban development. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition of the office market. Businesses have been pushed to look for more sustainable and flexible offices, very close to communication hubs,” concludes Orts.

More details about this project via this link.