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BESIX shapes the future of Brussels with LionCity I redevelopment
A flagship urban regeneration project for Brussels
BESIX is proud to announce its participation in the transformative LionCity I project, breathing new life into the historic headquarters of Delhaize in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek. As part of a consortium with Louis De Waele and Willemen, BESIX will contribute its renowned expertise to one of Brussels’ most ambitious urban regeneration initiatives. LionCity I marks the first phase of a visionary redevelopment programme led by citydev.brussels, in collaboration with Delhaize and the Brussels Regional Housing Company (BGHM). The project aims to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive mixed-use neighbourhood that honours the site’s industrial heritage while meeting the evolving needs of the city.
All pictures belong to ATAMA DDS+ ORG.
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A bold urban vision
Spanning 50.335m², LionCity I will feature:
- 55 production workshops, a Delhaize supermarket, and retail spaces managed by citydev.brussels;
- 169 subsidised owner-occupied housing units and 33 social rental housing units;
- A mobility hub with car parking spaces, bicycle stands, and shared mobility services;
- Extensive green spaces including a central orchard garden, the Jules Delhaize Park, and rooftop community gardens;
- Circular construction practices with high reuse and recycling rates, and zero-energy apartments powered by a site-wide heat network and solar panels.
The architectural design pays tribute to the site's industrial past, preserving key heritage elements such as the neoclassical façade of the director’s residence, the glass canopy, and the bust of Jules Delhaize. The new buildings will blend seamlessly into the urban fabric, with materials and volumes chosen to reflect both functionality and warmth.
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Sustainability at the core
LionCity I sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban development. The project embraces circular construction principles, with nearly 9% of materials reused directly on site and 39% of total weight of the materials that will be dismantled or demolished will be recycled. Innovative techniques transform construction waste into low-carbon bricks and excavated soil into unbaked earth blocks for interior walls. All apartments are designed as zero-energy homes, powered by a site-wide heat network and 781 solar panels. Rainwater is captured and reused through an advanced drainage system, while green spaces and biodiversity corridors enhance the ecological value of the site.
A collaborative effort
BESIX will work alongside Louis De Waele Construction and Willemen as general contractors, supported by a multidisciplinary team of architects and engineering firms. The project is designed to evolve with future needs, ensuring adaptability and resilience for generations to come.
With LionCity I, BESIX continues to demonstrate its leadership in complex urban developments, combining innovation, sustainability, and respect for heritage to shape the cities of tomorrow.
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