Belfius Insurance, the owner of the well-known Brussels premises, has just submitted a request for a permit to transform the lower floors of Passage 44. The purpose of the application, submitted to the Region, is to change the purpose or use of all or part of the current property by transforming, renovating and raising the lower floors of the building comprising the commercial spaces, the auditorium, Passage 44 and the offices (33,000 m²) on levels -2, -1, 0 and +1 into a university building. The beneficiary is the KU Leuven, which after the works should have some 16,000 m² of course, study and research space on 6 floors above ground added to the existing base. At the same time, Belfius Insurance submitted a request to the City of Brussels to terminate the public right of way that gave rise to the name of the premises concerned. This has been temporarily removed by the College.
Architects: a2o
David Rowan on How Technology is Shaping the Future of Real Estate
International Top Speaker David Rowan Teaches the Real Estate Sector How to Adapt to Rapid Technological Change.
Steven Delva – A Smart Balance Between Ecology and Economy
Ahead of Futurebuild Belgium, we spoke with a man who operates at the very top of his field. Landscape Architect Steven Delva shares how entrepreneurship can empower nature to do its job.
Breaking Down Silos: Why Building and Real Estate Must Work Together – Caroline Deiteren
The construction and real estate sectors are facing tough times, with no immediate improvement in sight. Activity is slowing down, despite the pressing societal challenges that require building, renovating, demolishing, and rebuilding. While there is rightful concern about the manufacturing industry, the importance and potential of the construction sector are being heavily underestimated. Embracing construction innovation can drive additional growth, benefiting everyone involved. The government, construction, and real estate sectors must tackle this together.
From Roofs to Neighborhoods: Kristof Eggermont of Ortelius on the Future of Sustainable Building
“The built environment in our country accounts for 20% of emissions. Through innovative solutions such as heat pumps and solar panels, we can not only drastically reduce CO₂ emissions but also create value for the real estate sector and society,” says Kristof Eggermont.
Revive founder Nicolas Bearelle on sustainable construction
“Sustainability truly doesn’t have to be more expensive than the classical patterns. Innovation and technology can help the real estate sector – and therefore consumers – reduce costs”, says Nicolas Bearelle, founder of project developer Revive. In the lead-up to Futurebuild Belgium, the trade show that spotlights sustainability and innovation, Realty Talks spoke with one of the undisputed pioneers of sustainability in the sector.
“More than ever, it is about the right investments in land” – Jo De Wolf
2024 was not an easy year for the world of logistics real estate either, especially as a listed company. Jo De Wolf, CEO of Montea, is cautiously optimistic, as well as realistic, about 2025. A lower interest rate can and will give the entire real estate sector some much-needed breathing room. He feels downright optimistic about the longer term. It is simply impossible to put off investments indefinitely, especially in infrastructure, residential construction and logistics.
