Bank Van Breda

First private investment in Nieuw Zuid

When Bank Van Breda started looking for a new head office in 2004, it fell in love with the old goods station. This impressive architectural heritage building, which had been vacant since 1988, was considered as being the perfect sustainable investment project. The neoclassical building thus became the first private investment in the neighbourhood.

Authentic renovation

Old goods station restored to its former glory

The authentic, original elements of the former goods station formed the common thread throughout the architectural project: the iron support structure, art nouveau details, the neoclassical front and end facade. The building received a brand new wing and an underground parking garage. The old ticket office and stairwell were completely restored and equipped with office space with many modern comfort and security features.

Did you know that the public gardens around the bank building were not laid out by Bas Smets, but by the well-known and lamented garden architect Jacques Wirtz?

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"I find Nieuw Zuid, where the Bank Van Breda is playing a pioneering role, an interesting and unexplored area, with so much potential."

Conix Architects

The architect's vision

For architect Christine Conix, the new wing of the office building has always been secondary to the monumental goods station. The new building with landscape offices was placed perpendicular to the old building and connected to it with a glass walkway. The use of materials was aligned with that of the goods station. The existing building was meticulously restored. The steelwork has been retained in its original condition and the central staircase has also been restored to its original state.

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