Primark opens in redeveloped Brussels building

Primark opened its doors in a building that was redeveloped by Redevco. The project, on one of Brussels main shopping streets, covered two buildings that were used to create a 6,200 sq.m. retail area spread across the ground, first and second floors. On the third and fourth floors, Redevco constructed six energy efficient apartments. The project has received a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ label.

The building dates from 1923 and has exceptional Art Nouveau characteristics. The architect of the time was a student of Victor Horta. Originally one of the first car showrooms in Brussels housed here, where the cars were displayed on the mezzanines of the first and second floors. Despite the many (sometimes unfortunate) renovations, certain elements of the special interior architecture have been preserved. For example, the original steel structure, the impressive glass roof dome and the atypical balustrades remained hidden for eighty years by a ceiling partition. In this redevelopment project, Redevco managed to restore these elements to their former glory by integrating them into the new store.