Week of 4 July
1. The millionth connection (Belgium)
One million buildings in Belgium are now connected to fibre optics, the high-speed technology for stable and ultra-fast Internet. The millionth building connected is symbolic, as it is the Atomium in Brussels (renovated by Jacques Delens and BESIX in the early 2000s), which was the subject of an event organised by Proximus in the presence of the Belgian Prime Minister. Our specialised subsidiary BESIX Unitec is one of the contractors in charge of the infrastructure and connection works. The Fifthnet joint venture, of which BESIX Unitec is a part, is responsible for connecting 2.4 million Belgian homes to the fibre. This requires, among other things, major excavation work and the laying of the cable network, street by street, to connect each house! It should be noted that Belgium is the European country in which fibre is currently being deployed most rapidly, with a new building connected every 15 seconds. BESIX Unitec is actively contributing to this: well done to all our colleagues.
2. Halfway to delivery (Australia)
Our colleagues from BESIX Watpac are about to reach the top of The Oxlade project in Brisbane. Work is now 50% complete. This magnificent project consists of two six-storey buildings along the waterfront. It will offer 30 high-end residences, with exceptional views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline. The Oxlade features swimming pools, including a rooftop pool, and a stone, aluminum and glass façade. In addition to the high-quality finish, the project has challenges, including three basement levels, well below river level. It is a building we look forward to seeing completed. Well done & success for the next steps!
3. A VIP on Saint-Denis Pleyel (France)
In Saint-Denis Pleyel, Paris, the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma was recently able to visit the construction site of the station he designed, currently built by BESIX France. With a mock-up already in place, he was able to project himself into the passenger hall and make the final decisions. After his visit, he said: “I asked for a few minor changes, but the main thing is beautiful. I'm happy with the quality and the look of the façade. The rivets and seals are well integrated, the panels are precise... So, I am happy with the result!” He even added that the work done so far is even "better than [he] thought" and that he is now looking forward to the completion of the project. Well done, colleagues!
4. District E (The Netherlands)
Amvest, the Dutch investment manager and property developer, and BESIX Nederland recently signed a cooperation agreement for the joint development of the "District E" project on Stationsplein in Eindhoven. The project consists of three residential towers of approximately 75, 110 and 140 metres in height, which will accommodate 600 to 800 homes. Approximately 20% of these homes will be social housing. Construction of District E is expected to start in 2023.
And then this… 72 kids on our sites!
On 24 June, 72 children from 5th and 6th primary (10-11 years old) took part in visits organised by the BESIX Foundation in Belgium. They visited the Constitution metro site in Brussels and the BESIX workshops in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. These visits are part of the KiddyBuild initiative, created by BESIX Foundation. The aim is to introduce young people from affirmative action schools to exiting trades in the construction sector. The KiddyBuild visits are always a great success: 1,000 thanks to all the volunteers who have contributed. If you too would like to welcome school classes to your construction site, contact BESIX Foundation, via Donatienne de Spirlet.
