Docks Bruxsel
– Brussels, Belgium
| Total built area | 61,000 m² |
| Asset type | Mixed use |
| Location | Brussels, Belgium |
| Status | Delivered |
| Fund | JEC |
A new district on the canal
When Docks Bruxsel opened in 2016, it marked a turning point for the European Capital: the city’s first new shopping district in more than 35 years. Located on a former industrial wasteland along the canal, Equilis developed a new urban destination blending retail, leisure, culture and food.
With 113 boutiques, an indoor adventure park (Koezio), 8 cinema screens, an event hall for 1,500 people, a museum, a culinary offer of 20 restaurants and 7,000 m² of offices space, the project went far beyond shopping - introducing a real place to live and share experiences. Docks Bruxsel received the ICSC’s VIVA Award 2019, rewarding the best shopping center development in the world.
A landmark of innovation
Sold by Equilis in 2017, Docks Bruxsel remains a landmark of innovation in the Belgian retail landscape and a flagship example of Equilis’ ability to regenerate obsolte sites into vibrant and sustainable destinations.
A landmark of innovation
Sold by Equilis in 2017, Docks Bruxsel remains a landmark of innovation in the Belgian retail landscape and a flagship example of Equilis’ ability to regenerate obsolte sites into vibrant and sustainable destinations.
KEY ESG
HIGHLIGHTS
If the Happiness Performance internal Label had existed in 2016, Docks Bruxsel would clearly have achieved the Exemplary level. Its sustainable design and social impact were pioneering:
Nature & Resources
- Redevelopment of a polluted industrial wasteland, preserving heritage buildings like the “Cathédrale” and the Godin Factory.
- Over 300,000 tons of soil evacuated by waterway instead of road transport, cutting CO₂ emissions dramatically.
- Integration of green roofs, terraces, and landscaped public spaces.
Energy & Innovation
- One of the first shopping centers in Europe to obtain BREEAM Excellent certification
- Other certifications or awards: “CO2-neutral – gold company” (CO2logic / South Pole)
- Natural ventilation system through a vast glass roof with adaptive skylights.
- Heating entirely supplied by recovered hot water from the adjacent incinerator.
- Installation of 4,500 m² of photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy
- A Green Charter signed by tenants requiring energy-saving measures (automated lighting, sun protection, reduced artificial cooling).
Mobility & Community
- Creation of over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs for Brussels residents, in partnership with Actiris, the regional employment office
- Excellent accessibility: 7 modes of transport (tram, bus, train, boat, bicycle, pedestrian, car) with 265 bicycle spots and direct tram connections.
- 40% of the retail offer was new to Brussels, including Belgian independents and global firsts (Samsung Experience Store, Kiabi’s first Belgian shop).
- Cultural integration: Espace Godin celebrating industrial heritage, and permanent art installations (e.g., Jean-Luc Moerman mural).
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