The National Bank of Belgium (BNB) on Monday unveiled plans to renovate its headquarters and consolidate its staff in a single modern, sustainable workplace in Brussels.
“At present, bank operations are scattered across various buildings in central Brussels that no longer meet the desired operational and energy standards,” the BNB said.
The move to consolidate staff into a single building, the NBB1, is expected to be completed by 2030.
“The new headquarters will significantly reduce our workspace from the current 217,000 square meters (m2) to around 80,000 m2,” the bank said. “The decision to consolidate is also influenced by the increasing propensity for remote work, reducing the need for physical workstations,” it explained.
The NBB1 site on Berlaimont Boulevard consists of several historic buildings erected over many decades, from the 1860s to the 1960s.
“With mismatched wings and inner courtyards, the existing complex is operationally ineffective, but its striking historical components hold substantial heritage and identity value, precluding demolition,” the BNB said, noting that “a new vision is required to transform this structure.”
Two architectural firms, KAAN Architecten and Low Architecten (Statuur Consortium), were selected to design the new HQ following a public tender.
According to the bank, the project will transform NBB1 "into a cutting-edge, smart building” that harmoniously blends contemporary elements with the preservation of historical values.
Key goals for the project include improving energy efficiency and optimising the use of space. By implementing innovative, sustainable solutions such as advanced lighting, ventilation, and heating systems, the bank also aims to achieve significant savings on energy.
