Solvay reveals plans to build a new headquarters in Brussels

Solvay has unveiled plans for its new 22-hectare headquarters in Brussels, which it aims to turn into an “innovation campus”.

Construction of the site, which is located in the Neder-Over-Heembeek area of Brussels, is expected to begin mid-2019, with a penned completion date of 2021.

Solvay has selected the project proposed by the consortium consisting of Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and Belgian firms Modulo Architects and VK Engineering. Their design will unite Solvay employees in one building with spaces for open collaboration and co-creation.

The company’s corporate, business and research teams and its new Materials Science Application Centre will be grouped in a carbon-neutral building.

Solvay said it aims to use the campus to attract start-ups and other companies and to strengthen its ties with the science community at universities and research institutions.

Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, CEO of Solvay, said: “Over the past six years, Solvay went through one of the most profound business transformations in its 155-year history. This project embodies the start of a new era for the group’s long-term growth, fostering closer connections and creativity between colleagues, customers and the business.”

Solvay added that the project will contribute to the urban and economic development of the Brussels canal area and improve the site’s connectivity with the city.

Earlier this year, the company increased its manufacturing capacity for European natural vanillin by 60 metric tons, to serve its customer base for its natural and clean label universal requirements in food.