Florival site on the verge of circular demolition and ambitious redevelopment

Right on the border of Flemish and Walloon Brabant, in the rural Dijle Valley, lies the Florival site. Once a 13th-century Cistercian abbey with a turbulent history, it was transformed in the last century into an industrial estate. Around 1908, Henri Tudor established his lead-acid battery factory there, later taken over by Exide Technologies. Today, a handful of derelict buildings and residual contamination still bear witness to that industrial past. But the 11-hectare site now stands on the brink of an ambitious redevelopment.

Using the brownfield covenant as a lever, the Provincial Development Agency of Flemish Brabant (POM) took the initiative to breathe new life into this historic location. The aim: to weave together recreation, economy, and nature in a thoughtful way. Florival is set to become a flagship project for circular demolition and sustainable redevelopment. And that’s where our expertise comes in.

Smart demolition starts with a solid permit application

Before any construction begins, we prepare the environmental permit application. This forms the legal foundation for the entire project. We map out the impact of demolition on the environment, infrastructure, and local community. Based on this, we prepare a complete and compliant dossier that covers every aspect of the project. A smooth permitting process starts with thorough groundwork. That’s where we make the difference.

No surprises, just financial clarity

Demolition projects demand financial predictability. That’s why we don’t just calculate the cost of demolition itself, but also the preparatory and aftercare phases. This allows POM to anticipate potential extra costs, manage risks, and keep the project budget under tight control. For a complex demolition project of this scale, such a transparent approach is essential.

Circular demolition must become the standard

Demolition is no longer a synonym for “throwing away.” Minimal waste, maximum value retention – that’s our guiding principle. Together with our partners, we embed circular economy thinking into the process and go far beyond simply tearing down. We start with a reuse inventory: a detailed list of materials and components that can be salvaged or recycled. Valuable materials thus gain a second life – either reused in future construction projects or processed into raw materials. This sustainable mindset is built into our approach.

From permits to site reports: we coordinate the entire process

Beyond the technical preparation, we also take care of the administrative follow-up. We ensure that all permits are complied with and that a control inspection follows asbestos removal. We then submit the report to the demolition management organization Tracimat. We also verify that all works are properly documented and reported to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Public Service Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue (WASO). Transparent communication keeps POM fully informed at every step.

On site, our project managers oversee execution. They inspect asbestos removal, monitor safety, and ensure all works are carried out strictly according to the demolition specification. Our site meetings and progress reports provide clarity, fast adjustments, and smooth collaboration between all parties involved.

More than demolition: reconnecting heritage, nature, and economy

The redevelopment of the Florival site is much more than a demolition project. It’s a unique opportunity to connect heritage and nature with a sustainable economy. And that is precisely where we, as consulting engineers, play an active role: with an integrated approach spanning from permits to circular demolition and technical coordination.