Axa headquarters redevelopment project receives planning permission

The Brussels region has issued planning permission for the renovation and redevelopment of Axa's former headquarters in Watermael-Boitsfort; which would see the iconic building transform into an office complex and a hotel.

As well as a number of major adaptations to the construction of the existing building, which are necessary to bring the project into line with current standards and requirements, allowing the complete redevelopment of the interior to go ahead, a new sports complex and outdoor swimming pool will be added to the site. The original 1970s design of the building and its surrounding park would be preserved and restored.

Specifically, the repurposing project includes a parking lot in the basement, reception areas, coworking spaces, an auditorium, a restaurant, and a sports/wellness club. Hotel rooms will occupy floors three to five while floors six to 10 will be given over to office space. According to the secretary of state in charge of heritage protection, Pascal Smet, almost all the offices are already rented.

The project also plans to strengthen the biodiversity dimension of the site in line with the requirements of the Natura 2000 conservation programme. This requires a naturalisation of the landscape, the restoration of a wet meadow and the protection of the park land which was formerly part of the nearby Sonian Forest.

According to Pascal Smet, the proposed project is of “high quality both in terms of the new mixed concept for its use which will revive the vast building and in terms of the boldness of its architecture and respect for heritage.”

"This iconic building will open up to the public and begin a new life,” he said. “What will be built here will offer a new experience. With a sports club, a restaurant and a 4-star hotel coupled with a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, the project has demonstrated its quality."