Brussels office market impacted as Courthouse renovation extended to 2035, delaying release of prime government-leased spaces

Brussels Palace of Justice: a decade-long restoration project

The monumental Brussels Palace of Justice is undergoing an extensive restoration, a project that commenced in 2023. While the public can anticipate seeing the facade fully unveiled by summer 2026 as scaffolding progressively disappears, the complete restoration – including the full removal of all scaffolding – will not be achieved until 2035. This represents a five-year extension from the original 2030 deadline.

Current work focuses on meticulous stone cleaning, replacement of damaged architectural elements, and restoration of intricate woodwork. The next phases will address the dome’s base from late 2026 to 2029, followed by the rear and side facades and interior courtyards. Crucially, the interior restoration is only just beginning, with a feasibility study expected by late 2025 to balance modernization needs with heritage conservation.

What the extension means for Brussels commercial real estate

For businesses analyzing the Brussels commercial real estate market, this extended timeline carries notable weight. A key objective of the Palace of Justice restoration is to consolidate various federal services currently scattered across numerous rented buildings throughout the city. The five-year delay means these government departments will continue to occupy their existing leased premises for a significantly longer period than initially planned.

This prolonged occupation by public sector entities could impact the availability of certain prime office spaces in the Brussels market. Properties that might have become available for private sector businesses following the government’s planned relocation will now remain under public sector tenancy for the foreseeable future. This situation underscores the ongoing, robust demand for quality office space in Brussels, even from large institutional tenants.

Navigating the Brussels office rental market

As the Brussels commercial landscape evolves, businesses seeking new office or warehouse space must stay informed of these long-term infrastructure and public sector real estate trends. The continued demand from government for existing rented premises means that the market may experience consistent pressure on available inventory, especially for well-located and high-quality office properties.

For businesses looking to rent office or warehouse space in Brussels, it becomes even more critical to partner with experienced real estate professionals. Understanding the nuances of supply and demand, anticipating market shifts, and identifying suitable opportunities requires detailed insight. While the Palace of Justice restoration signals a long-term commitment to Brussels' infrastructure, its extended timeline also serves as a reminder of the dynamic forces at play within the city's commercial property market.

Source: bruxellestoday.be