In January 2026, BESIX Group CEO Pierre Sironval informed colleagues working at the Brussels headquarters that the Group intended to relocate by the end of 2027. At that stage, two options were still under consideration.
The location is now confirmed: the Brussels headquarters will move to Matisse in Evere, in line with the first option presented in January. Developed by BESIX RED, Matisse is a mixed-use project combining the renovation of a former bank headquarters with newly built residential units. Vanhout is currently renovating the office building, and the move is planned for the end of 2027.
Why are we moving?
With the lease on the current building approaching its end, the Executive Committee reviewed what the Brussels headquarters will need in the years ahead. The decision to relocate reflects three main considerations: mobility, sustainability and the changing use of office space.
Mobility was an important factor. Although our current site is accessible by road, its public transport connections are very limited. This affects employees, clients and partners, while the number of parking spaces also results in significant taxes under Brussels legislation. Matisse will offer a different mobility profile. Its impact will vary depending on individual commuting routes, which is why access and mobility remain a dedicated area of work.
Sustainability was another consideration. The current building dates from the late 1990s and has high energy consumption. A substantial renovation would be required to improve its performance, with significant disruption while the building remained occupied, and it would not address the limitations of the location.
The third consideration is the way office space is used. Hybrid working has changed occupancy patterns and created a need for a workplace that can support different activities and team needs. The detailed working arrangements and office concept are still being developed.
The relocation decision followed a series of discussions and studies. The destination and target timing are now confirmed, while the employee experience, mobility measures and detailed workspace design remain under development.
How are colleagues involved?
Following the January announcement, all headquarters employees were invited to complete a questionnaire. In total, 308 colleagues responded. Their feedback helping the project team understand the needs that the future workplace should address.
Workshops with ambassadors and sponsors began in the spring. Ambassadors are colleagues from across teams and departments who represent the diversity of our organisation. Sponsors are managers from teams across our Brussels headquarters. Both are participating in these co-creation workshops to ensure that different needs are reflected in the concept and the design of our new headquarters.
A mobility study and an occupancy study have also provided information on commuting patterns and expected workplace use. These findings will help shape access measures and determine the appropriate number and mix of work settings at the new location.
What happens next?
With the location confirmed, the project is moving into a more detailed phase. Dedicated working groups will now develop proposals and practical arrangements across seven areas:
- People & New Way of Working
- Mobility & access
- Legal, corporate & compliance
- Document & asset management
- Technology & digital workplace
- Workplace experience & hospitality
- Communication & engagement
Workshops with ambassadors and sponsors will continue as these plans take shape. We will share further information as decisions are made, including what has been confirmed, what remains open and how colleagues can continue to contribute.
More about the Matisse project
Our new HQ is a shining example of how powerful we can be if we combine multiple expertises from the Group on one project. Vanhout is delivering the office component, with Franki Foundations responsible for the foundation works and BESIX RED acting as developer. Jacques Delens is responsible for the residential component. BESIX Power and ComTis Energy are jointly acting as the energy services company, financing, delivering and operating the site’s energy infrastructure.
At the end of June 2026, the new headquarters reached its highest point. The milestone was marked with a traditional topping-out ceremony before the summer holidays. It reflects the progress made on site and the coordination between the Group entities involved. As Jochem Slaets, Project Manager at Vanhout, noted: “The project is a strong example of the integrated value chain we have within BESIX.”
Watch the video of the topping out ceremony on our BESIX Facebook page. You can read more about the milestone on our Intranet or on pg. 26 -27 of the latest edition of INSIDE Magazine.
Stay updated on the news about our HQ move
Over the coming months, we'll continue to share updates, milestones and behind-the-scenes insights as we move closer to our future headquarters. One of the ways we are doing this, is through email newsletters. These are primarily sent to our employees based at the Brussels HQ, but if you are also interested in following the updates, you can subscribe by following this link.
