Sweco Belgium
Expertise in action: Sweco’s project management for three distinct police projects
Client‑side project management is a specialised discipline. Our consultants approach projects from an overarching, strategic perspective. We do not act as designers or construction partners; instead, we represent and support the client throughout the entire process. In this role, Sweco can guide a project from A to Z. Using three police projects as examples, this article illustrates our approach.
Although these projects serve similar types of clients, each one operates within a different context and presents its own challenges:
- Local sensitivities and the resulting range of stakeholders
- Locations in Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders
- Technical challenges related to urban planning constraints and the nature of the construction works
- Different procurement models, ranging from traditional delivery to Design & Build
This diversity highlights the inherent complexity of construction projects and the need for a tailored, project‑specific approach.
Across all projects, our project managers focus on two core objectives: relieving the client of operational concerns and steering the project towards a result that fully meets the needs of its end users. To achieve this, the following management competencies are essential:
- Process management
- Quality assurance
- Communication management
- Schedule control
- Budget control
- Risk management
- Stakeholder management
- Change management
- Contract management
Central police station – Montgomery Police Zone
Architect: BEEL Architects
Client: Montgomery Police Zone
Along Luchtmachtlaan in Etterbeek, numerous historic and military buildings line the street. The Federal Police occupy one side, while the Montgomery Police Zone uses part of the buildings on the opposite side. With services currently spread across multiple locations, the Police Zone aims to improve efficiency by consolidating operations on a single central site. Sweco was appointed as Assistant to the Client to guide this process.
The Police Zone initially defined a concise set of requirements, which formed the basis for our first deliverable: a spatial and financial feasibility study. This crucial step—fundamental to any construction project—establishes the project framework and significantly reduces risks in later phases. Various public authorities, including URBAN, the Municipality of Etterbeek and the Brussels Bouwmeester, were consulted. The study resulted in a clearly defined preferred development scenario.
It was decided to treat the existing heritage with care and sustainability in mind. A thorough renovation and restoration of the historic building will give it a second life. The demolition of less functional annexes, combined with the addition of a contemporary new volume and an underground car park, will significantly increase usable space, enabling the police to carry out their duties more effectively.
Following formal approval of the development scenario and budget, Sweco’s project managers set up several working groups with the Police Zone to develop a detailed Programme of Requirements for each discipline. These output specifications capture functional, organisational and technical requirements as comprehensively as possible and form the foundation for a high‑quality procurement procedure for the design assignment.
Under Sweco’s guidance, an extensive design team was appointed, and a permit application will be submitted shortly. In parallel, the impact of the mandatory merger of police zones in Brussels is being analysed: an important change‑management exercise.
Copyright images: BEEL architecten
Head police station Moeskroen Police Zone
Architect: B2Ai
Client: Moeskroen Police Zone
Following several police reforms and a substantial increase in staff, the existing building of the Moeskroen Police Zone no longer met modern standards for comfort, accessibility and safety. Sweco was appointed as Assistant to the Client to explore options for renovation and expansion. After a spatial feasibility study, this option was ruled out, and the client opted for a complete new build on available municipal land.
In addition to defining the programme, Sweco outlined the advantages and disadvantages of several procurement routes. Given the functional complexity of the project, the client chose a traditional approach: appointing a design team first, followed by the selection of a contractor at a later stage. Our project managers prepared all administrative and technical documentation required to organise a full architectural competition, including the jury process.
After a thorough evaluation of the submissions and subsequent negotiations, the design by B2Ai was selected as the winning proposal. The project consists of two distinct volumes, each responding to different requirements. The parking building reflects the industrial character of the area, while the main building, with its brick façades, integrates seamlessly into the surrounding residential context. A new public square enhances the project’s urban integration.
Throughout the design phase, Sweco closely monitored both quality and progress, ensuring continued compliance with the Programme of Requirements and the approved budget. By structuring the design process into clearly defined phases linked to contractual deliverables, we maintained control over both schedule and costs. Detailed reviews of each deliverable formed the basis for progression to subsequent project phases.
During construction, Sweco supported the Moeskroen Police Zone in managing the project from an administrative, technical and financial perspective. The buildings and surrounding landscaping were formally completed in September 2025. Today, both police staff and local residents benefit from a modern, comfortable facility that meets all expectations.
Copyright images: Tom D’haenens
Head police station Schelde‑Leie Police Zone
Architect: THV BRUT–Styfhals
Developer: Investpro NV
Client: Schelde‑Leie Police Zone
The former police station no longer met contemporary operational requirements. A new headquarters was therefore developed along the N60 in Nazareth‑De Pinte. The modern building provides all essential facilities, including flexible workspaces, a fitness area, meeting rooms, a bright cafeteria with terrace, and a cell complex, while maintaining a welcoming and personal approach for citizens. The flexible design allows the building to adapt to future developments within the police organisation, evolving citizen needs and technological advances.
Sweco supported the Schelde‑Leie Police Zone as Assistant to the Client and acted as process manager for the Design & Build procurement. In this model, a single party is responsible for both design and construction, ensuring close alignment between concept and execution, with cost and schedule managed by the appointed contractor from the moment of award.
As a result, the procurement process differed significantly from the previous projects. A Design & Build approach requires a more extensive preparatory phase, with intensive programming. Based on this process, Sweco’s project managers developed the performance specifications.
During execution, our team maintained strict control over the construction process. In a Design & Build context, the performance specifications serve as the benchmark against which the project is assessed. Financial performance was closely monitored through progress statements and reconciliations, while planning was continuously reviewed. Quality control was ensured through weekly site inspections and coordination meetings.
Finally, Sweco supported the Police Zone in reviewing the coordinated as‑built documentation and concluding final negotiations with the Design & Build consortium. The new head police station was taken into use in 2023 and has since been officially completed.
Copyright images: Tom D’haenens
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