Thousands of Visitors Attend Cordeel Belgium Construction Sites During Open Construction Day 2026
Four projects involving Cordeel Belgium also took part in this year’s event. Together, the Oosterweel site in Antwerp, the underground parking project at UZ Gent, the new faculty building at UHasselt and the De Weeg project in Bree welcomed approximately 12,000 visitors. They not only discovered impressive construction projects but also gained insight into the techniques, innovations and sustainable solutions shaping the construction industry today.
A unique construction site experience at UZ Gent
At UZ Gent, Cordeel Belgium is working together with CIT Blaton and Wyckaert on the construction of a new underground parking facility. During Open Construction Day, visitors were given a unique opportunity to explore the project. Through a specially designed route, they could descend into the excavation pit, experience the future project through virtual reality and get a close-up view of life on an active construction site.
The site also hosted an official VIP event, where we welcomed Frank Vermassen (CEO of UZ Gent), Simon Ossieur (Project Director at Sweco), Sofie Bracke (Alderman for Economy of the City of Ghent), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Budget Vincent Van Peteghem, and Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele.
Impressive infrastructure at the Oosterweel site
In Antwerp, around 9,000 visitors explored the Oosterweel construction site. The impressive Kanaalzone tunnels, exceptionally opened to the public, were the highlight of the visit. Visitors received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this complex infrastructure project before the tunnels are submerged underwater.
The project made a strong impression and demonstrated how construction teams are working every day to improve the future mobility and liveability of Antwerp. During the official opening event, we welcomed representatives from Embuild, TM ROCO (of which Cordeel Belgium is a member) and Lantis, together with Deputy Prime Minister Jan Jambon, Minister Annick De Ridder, Mayor Els van Doesburg and many other representatives from the construction sector.
Sustainable Innovation at De Weeg in Bree
Visitors also had plenty to discover at the De Weeg project in Bree. This forward-looking and sustainable development strongly focuses on a fossil-free approach, including thermal energy storage systems, solar panels and energy-efficient technologies.
Particular attention was given to the use of timber as a structural building material. Visitors were able to learn more about a residential tower being constructed entirely in CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber). The new swimming pool, currently under construction, also attracted considerable interest.
Architecture and Sustainability at UHasselt
At the site of UHasselt’s new faculty building, both the architectural and structural aspects of the project were highlighted. Visitors gained insight into the various construction phases and discovered how design and execution come together in a future-oriented educational facility.
The project’s sustainability ambitions were also prominently featured. Its strong focus on energy efficiency and future-proof building solutions makes it an excellent example of how sustainability is becoming increasingly integrated into modern construction projects.
Thank you to all employees and partners
The success of Open Construction Day is first and foremost thanks to the dedication of the many employees, partners and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to provide visitors with a safe and inspiring experience.
We would like to thank everyone who visited one of our construction sites and are already looking forward to the next edition of Open Construction Day!
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