Brussels Governance MonitorConstruction: sector crisis, −1,402 companies lost, no recovery before 2027
The sector lost 1,402 companies in 2024, the first decline in 10 years. The moratorium on 9 brownfield sites blocks ~800 housing units/year. No recovery expected before 2027.
Unblocked mechanisms — awaiting implementation
These mechanisms were frozen during the caretaker government period (June 2024 – February 2026). The government sworn in on 14 February 2026 can now reactivate them.
Master Development Plans (PAD)
The PADs, strategic urban planning tools at the regional level, were frozen. No new PAD could be adopted or amended. The new government can now unblock them.
Strategic regional public contracts
Major regional public contracts for large-scale infrastructure and development were postponed for lack of a fully empowered government. The new government can now launch them, including Neo (Heysel).
Regional-scope urban planning permits
Urban planning permits for projects of regional scope -- large complexes, public facilities, strategic mixed-use projects -- were awaiting decisions. The new government has announced the simplification of urban planning procedures.
What continues
Municipal urban planning permits
Urban planning permits falling under municipal authority continue to be issued normally by the 19 Brussels municipalities.
Maintenance public contracts
Public contracts for routine maintenance of existing infrastructure and urgent repairs are maintained.
Ongoing construction sites
Construction projects launched before June 2024 that have all permits and funding in place continue normally.
Impact indicators
~5
PADs awaiting adoption or amendment
perspective.brussels
hundreds of millions EUR
Regional public contracts postponed
Confederation Construction Bruxelles-Capitale
dozens
Strategic permits awaiting decision
Brussels-Capital Region
−1 402
Net loss of construction companies (2024)
Embuild
~800/year
Housing units blocked by brownfield moratorium
Moustique (Feb. 2026)
Coalition Agreement: Announced Commitments
According to concordant press sources, the agreement of 12 February 2026 announces measures that would relaunch the construction sector on several fronts:
- 1,000+ public housing units over the parliamentary term (SLRB, EUR 400M)
- Neo (Heysel) relaunched -- one of the largest Brussels urban projects resumes
- Brownfield sites arbitrated: 18-month moratorium on Keyenbempt, Calevoet, Josaphat, Meylemeersch; Wiels/Avijl/Donderberg preserved; Chant des Cailles + Dames Blanches confirmed
- Simplification of urban planning procedures announced
- Zero-interest loans (EUR 200M) for renovation -- replacing the suppressed Renolution
The unlocking of PADs, strategic public contracts and regional permits will depend on the new government's first decisions. The sector emerges from 20 months of freeze following the formation of the new government (February 2026).
Sector context (February 2026)
The sector is going through its worst crisis in a decade. According to Embuild (the Belgian construction federation), Belgium faces the "greatest construction and renovation challenge since the Second World War".
Key figures
- Net loss of 1,402 construction companies in the Brussels-Capital Region in 2024 -- the first decline in ten years
- Residential construction fell by 7.3% in 2024 at national level
- No recovery expected before 2026-2027 at the earliest (Embuild)
- Renovation grants (Renolution), frozen during the government formation, led to the cancellation or postponement of many private construction projects
The brownfield dilemma
The 18-month moratorium announced in the agreement covers 9 brownfield sites (Keyenbempt, Calevoet, Josaphat, Meylemeersch, etc.). According to an analysis by Moustique (9 February 2026), these sites represent approximately 800 potential housing units -- nearly a quarter of annual housing production in Brussels. Freezing these sites, even temporarily, worsens the shortage in an already tight market.
Batibouw 2026
The annual construction trade fair was held under the theme "building and renovating despite the obstacles", reflecting the difficult climate for the sector.
Sources: Embuild, situation note February 2026; BX1, "the construction sector is worried", February 2026; La Libre, "the greatest challenge since the Second World War", 5 February 2026; Moustique, "the end of affordable housing?", 9 February 2026.
Territorial Planning Documents (PAD) were frozen, blocking Neo, Gare du Midi, Delta and Casernes. The sector lost 1,402 companies in 2024, and 800 housing units remained blocked by the brownfield moratorium.
Read full contextBack to home — 2 March 2026
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