Brussels, 28 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A proposed Brussels Grand-Place revamp could transform a major property complex stretching from the historic square towards Rue du Midi, with plans for renovated offices, shops and hospitality space currently open to public scrutiny. The City of Brussels confirms that the planning application is under public inquiry until 15 October.
Prowinko plans mixed-use renovation near Grand-Place
Dutch property developer Prowinko owns the complex at Grand-Place 5-7, Rue de la Tête d’Or 3 and Rue du Midi 8-18.
The project covers roughly 7,600 square metres of existing offices. Current plans would convert 1,171 square metres of office space and around 1,000 square metres of underground parking for commercial uses, including two retail units and a restaurant or hotel. The remaining offices would also be renovated.
Architectural practice Altiplan lists the wider renovation project as covering approximately 10,000 square metres and describes its status as ongoing.
Historic buildings remain subject to heritage protection
The redevelopment is particularly sensitive because it includes Grand-Place numbers 5, 6 and 7 — historic guild houses known as Den Wolf, Den Horen and Den Vos.
Parts of the properties are protected, and the current proposal would leave classified heritage elements unchanged. Plans also seek to increase natural light, improve energy performance and renovate non-protected façades.
The Grand-Place itself has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. UNESCO describes the square as an “outstanding example” of the successful blending of architectural and artistic styles characteristic of the region.
Developer previously considered luxury hotel
Prowinko acquired the former CBC Banque complex in September 2018 after the bank moved its headquarters to Namur.
At the time, Prowinko Brussels director Philip van Perlstein described the acquisition as a “unique opportunity”, saying the developer had several possible options for the site but that nothing had yet been decided.
The developer subsequently considered creating an approximately 80-room luxury hotel. The latest application instead combines continued office use with additional commercial and hospitality functions.
Public consultation remains open until 15 October
The Brussels Grand-Place revamp has not received final approval. The City of Brussels lists application PU-G7952026 under a public inquiry running from 16 September to 15 October 2026.
Brussels City Urban Planning councillor Anaïs Maes told The Brussels Times that the consultation committee will examine public comments on 27 October, when the parties involved will also be able to present their positions. The City is withholding its own position while the consultation remains under way.
What happens next?
Residents, businesses and other interested parties can submit observations before the consultation closes. The committee is then scheduled to examine the proposal on 27 October.
Its opinion will not be binding on Urban.brussels, the regional authority responsible for the final permitting decision. Until that process is completed, the Brussels Grand-Place revamp remains a proposed redevelopment rather than an approved construction project.
