Sweco Belgium
Regional Office West Opened: High-Tech Systems Behind a Historic Façade
On 15 September 2025, Antwerp’s Mayor Els van Doesburg inaugurated the brand-new Regional Office West of the Antwerp Police Zone. Right in the city centre, behind a protected historic façade, now lies a state-of-the-art police station. Commissioned by AG Vespa, Sweco has been involved as a technical partner from the very first sketches to final delivery and will continue to provide follow-up after the opening. The design was created by Collectief Noord architects.
What you see today is only a fraction of the technical ingenuity behind the scenes. Inside the walls runs an intelligent system of sustainable technologies that keep the building comfortable all year round. The indoor climate adapts smoothly to any weather: temperature remains constant, air stays fresh, and energy consumption is surprisingly low.
A Building That Thinks Along with Its Users
Heating and cooling are provided by a geothermal heat pump connected to a BEO field beneath the building. This system automatically selects the most efficient energy source based on weather and occupancy. Heat is distributed via underfloor heating and climate ceilings, ensuring stable temperatures everywhere, without drafts or noise.
Air quality is also intelligently managed. A CO₂-controlled ventilation system continuously measures the need for fresh air and adjusts automatically. This not only improves comfort but also saves energy. PV panels on the roof supply part of the electricity, while a building management system (BMS) centrally controls lighting, shading, and energy use.
Even the charging stations on-site are smart: thanks to load balancing, the power grid is never overloaded, even during peak times. Rainwater is collected via green roofs and reused wherever possible.
Technology in a Historic Context: A Challenge in Itself
Building in a city centre is never easy. Space was limited, especially for integrating technical systems into ceilings and walls. Material delivery was challenging, with cranes brought in piece by piece and assembled on-site. Yet, it all came together thanks to close collaboration with AG Vespa, Collectief Noord architects, and contractor STRABAG.
All systems were modeled in BIM, ensuring smooth coordination and fewer surprises on-site. Sweco will remain involved during the warranty period, providing technical support and follow-up.
A Police Station That Feels Like Home
This project is not just about technology and architecture, it’s also about atmosphere. The building feels bright, open, and welcoming. Patios and green outdoor spaces create calm and encourage spontaneous encounters.
Staff appreciate the warm interior and cozy setting. A workplace that feels like home. And not just for them: colleagues from other departments also enjoy dropping by, if only to relax in the inner garden.
A Strategic Link in the Police Master Plan
The new office fits perfectly within the Antwerp Police Zone’s housing master plan, which combines centralization and decentralization: intervention services operate from one headquarters, while neighbourhood policing is spread across the city. The office on Lange Gasthuisstraat is a key project in this vision.
Photos and simulations: © Collectief Noord architecten / AG Vespa
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