The first stone has just been laid and 30 percent of units in the new SME park La Brique have already been sold (Ranst)

The old site diagonally opposite Campus Vesta has been completely remediated in recent months, meaning that foundation work can now start. There will be 36 SME units, six roof garden homes and six office spaces. “With this project we are responding to the demand for easily accessible SME units in this region close to various traffic axes,” says project developer Antonissen Development Group.

The renovation works at the front are completely finished. The area behind it will be further cleaned up. The installation of columns, beams and walls will start within two weeks. By using prefab elements, the new buildings will quickly become visible. There will also be 138 parking spaces, including the option for charging stations, and covered bicycle sheds for about sixty bicycles.

“With La Brique we are creating a sustainable SME site with a mix of living and working. Entrepreneurs can live close to their company through the roof garden homes. The residents of these homes can also enjoy the beautiful view over the Nete Valley every day,” says Sven Potvin, CEO Antonissen Development Group.

Durable

La Brique is a so-called brownfield project in which the developer first demolishes old dilapidated buildings, remediates the entire site and then gives it a new, sustainable future. The former stone quarry was partly used as a landfill until 2015, so Antonissen Development Group – together with partner Vanloo Projects – is remediating the entire site. No less than 15,000 tons of construction waste was removed for processing.​ ​ ​

At the back of the site – a section that opens directly onto the Kleine Nete valley – the old landfill is being excavated down to the original site level. The new meander that has already been constructed in the Molenbeek ensures biodiversity of the watercourse. An area of ​​almost one hectare will be repurposed as a nature reserve.

The site is completely gas-free by working with heat pumps. 7,500 square meters of solar panels are provided. The structure of the roof garden houses is built in CLT (solid timber construction), which also stores CO2 in the building. Currently, 30 percent of the units have been sold. Delivery is scheduled for early 2025. Prices start from 149,000 euros for the roof garden homes, 355,000 euros for the SME units and 259,000 euros for the office spaces, all in shell.(kma)