Tour & Taxis will soon be home to a new lively city quarter. Renovations are underway on the Gare Maritime, and the expansive former freight station will become a covered neighbourhood with facilities for shopping, work, leisure activities, eating and drinking, and public events.
The Gare Maritime is already a stunning building, and our renovations will highlight its beauty while increasing its functionality. The wood panels used to construct the original roof in 1902 have been restored to pristine condition. They complement the smaller wooden structures currently under construction in the station’s side facades, which will house office and retail space. The three central spans of the development will remain free, creating generous space for people to stroll and relax together, or to attend events, exhibitions and festivals.
Green, lush vegetation will thrive under a massive wide-span station roof, with a pleasant climate that will adapt to seasonal weather changes. From the depths of winter through the heat of summer, the Gare Maritime will be much more than a building – it will be a bustling neighbourhood for everyone in Brussels to experience.
Gare Maritime, more than a reference of circular construction
The Gare Maritime is more than a beautiful place for people in Brussels to experience year-round. This covered neighbourhood is a model of circular construction.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Gare Maritime is energy neutral, using the latest renewable energy technologies. Photovoltaic panels power the entire station. Geothermal wells provide heating and cooling, maintaining a temperate climate in both winter and summer.
RECYCLING & REUSE
Wood and paving stones from the original construction were reused in the redevelopment of the Gare Maritime, as were the historic steel columns. This avoids materials waste and ensures the site’s history is integrated into its next evolution. Rainwater is collected and recycled for plumbing and adiabatic cooling (evaporation of water to cool the air).
SUSTAINABILITY
The twelve office and retail constructions are made from responsibly sourced wood. As wood is lighter than the cement typically used for such buildings, CO2 emissions were avoided in the construction process. Finally, indoor gardens provide a “green lung” for the station.
