Sleep, work, train, and eat all under one roof: in Watermael-Boitsfort, Mix Brussels is reinventing the art of urban living. We spoke with one of its co-founders about the future of entrepreneurship in Brussels.
Some buildings define a city. The Royale Belge, with its curves of glass and Corten steel nestled on the edge of the forest, is part of the collective imagination of Brussels residents. Long dormant, this architectural colossus is beginning its second life thanks to the Mix Brussels project. Led by Jean-Michel André and his partners, including Corentin Poels, this hybrid space proves that, for those who know how to tame its complexity, Brussels remains the capital of endless possibilities.
How does Mix Brussels demonstrate that Brussels is one of the most exciting cities today for entrepreneurship and creating unique spaces?
Corentin Poels: Brussels offers a fantastic playground, as the capital experienced exceptional years in the last century, during which some truly incredible buildings were constructed. Today, many of these buildings need to be reinvented due to a significant decline in office space. Brussels also has the unique characteristic of having a strong mix of residential and office districts. What might seem architecturally chaotic actually offers a diverse landscape with plenty of potential, as functions are already very mixed in all neighborhoods.
Hotel, sports, restaurant, coworking... Why this mix? Is it the recipe for success in attracting Brussels residents and businesses in 2026?
The hybrid nature of the mix reflects the hybridization of society and how people live and want to spend their day today. We live in a post-COVID world where people have hybrid days: the lines between work, leisure, private space, and professional life are blurring. Having spaces that cater to this is essential. Furthermore, people are increasingly consuming through subscriptions rather than ownership; they are seeking experiences. Our success also stems from the fact that we operate all of these functions ourselves. Unlike other projects where different stakeholders are involved and the collaboration fails, here, we manage all the verticals. This is what allows for this cross-fertilization: 1+1=3
We sometimes hear that Brussels isn't easy for entrepreneurs. Despite this, you've chosen to invest heavily there.
It's true that Brussels, or even Belgium in general, isn't easy for entrepreneurs. There are many constraints: regulatory, fiscal, linguistic, and administrative. This lack of consistency and this cumbersome process weighs heavily on entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, Brussels remains an extremely dynamic and diverse city. With the European institutions and NATO, we have a network of people who are very open to the world. It's possible to find fertile ground and the necessary support, whether private or public, to create great projects.
How important was the support of finance&invest.brussels in this venture?
Their role was paramount. We launched Mix during the COVID-19 pandemic, in sectors that were at a standstill: hospitality, sports, and restaurants. The banks gave us a rather cold reception. Having a public body that considers other factors, such as the entrepreneurs' experience or job creation—Mix employs between 150 and 200 people directly and independently—was a real boon for sectors hit hard by COVID-19. This support is invaluable for structuring ambitious projects that touch on areas perceived as riskier.
Is Brussels a city where you can dare to dream big?
Yes. We're fortunate to have an eclectic population that allows us to experiment. If you succeed in Brussels, you have a good chance of succeeding elsewhere, because it's not the easiest country: you're speaking to both Wallonia and Flanders, to different ways of seeing the world. Finally, Brussels has a large, young, and often more qualified workforce than you might think. It's employment that makes it possible for major projects to come to fruition. Furthermore, the fact that real estate is more affordable in Brussels than in other capital cities allows for greater generosity and creativity.