MIPIM 2026, the leading international real estate and urban investment event held annually in Cannes, highlighted the major transformations currently reshaping the strategies of public and private stakeholders: digitalisation of procedures, increasing pressure on energy infrastructure, the rise of data centres, reindustrialisation, urban revitalisation and the emergence of large scale scientific projects.

In Belgium, these trends materialise differently across regions: Brussels is accelerating the modernisation of its urban planning framework and strengthening architectural quality, while Wallonia is positioning itself as a strategic territory for energy-intensive, digital and industrial projects.

In this context, RSM Belgium supports decision makers in analysing these developments, securing their investments and structuring resilient, sustainable projects.
 

1. BRUSSELS: ACCELERATING, ELEVATING, REVITALISING


Accelerating projects

At MIPIM, Brussels presented several major initiatives aimed at streamlining investment cycles:

  • MyPermits: fully digital submission and follow up of urban planning permit applications.
  • OpenPermits: increased transparency on submitted, processed and reviewed permit files.
  • Good Living: modernisation of the Regional Urban Planning Regulation to improve habitability, natural light, mobility and overall project coherence.

These tools enhance operational predictability and improve the quality of submitted files.


Elevating architectural quality

The Bouwmeester Maître Architecte (BMA) continues to play a structuring role through design competitions, early stage advisory and research by design. Brussels’ contributions at MIPIM highlighted:

  • affordable housing,
  • low carbon construction,
  • functional mix,
  • quality of the living environment.


Revitalising the city

Office to residential conversions remain a strategic lever, representing up to 23% of new housing production. Flagship projects such as Royale Belge or Brouck’R illustrate the potential of mixed use redevelopment and rehabilitation.

The Canal Open Space Plan provides a transversal vision for public spaces, strengthening the attractiveness of the canal area.

 

2. WALLONIA: ENERGY, DATA, SCIENCE AND REINDUSTRIALISATION


Energy: a decisive factor for site selection

Wallonia is upgrading its infrastructure to meet rising energy demand. Strategic projects such as the Boucle du Hainaut are becoming critical for industrial and digital investors.
 

Data centres & AI

Demand for data centres continues to grow, increasing pressure on grid capacity. Site selection strategies are shifting towards “power ready” locations and technological hubs such as A6K in Charleroi.
 

Industrial corridors & scientific projects

Wallonia’s reindustrialisation relies on strategic corridors (Charleroi, Hainaut) combining land availability, technological hubs and energy projects. The Einstein Telescope project in Liège acts as a scientific, economic and real estate catalyst.

 

3. HOW RSM BELGIUM SUPPORTS ITS CLIENTS

RSM Belgium mobilises integrated expertise to support public and private stakeholders:
 

Strategic analysis

  • Asset resilience (operational, regulatory, ESG).
  • Modelling of growth and investment scenarios.
     

Site selection & territorial assessment

  • Mapping of industrial/digital sites.
  • Analysis of regional incentives and public private partnerships.
  • Technical, financial, fiscal and legal due diligence.
     

Structuring complex projects

  • Governance, legal and financial structuring.
  • Business models, cash flows, subsidies.
  • Support for public procurement, consortiums, SPVs.
     

Energy & sustainability

  • Energy assessments.
  • ESG roadmaps, certifications, reporting.
  • Heat networks, renewables, storage projects.
     

Real estate & data centre advisory

  • Land and constructability analysis.
  • Negotiations with authorities and grid operators.
  • M&A structuring and digital infrastructure transactions.

 

CONCLUSION


MIPIM 2026 confirms that Belgium is at a pivotal moment. Brussels is accelerating its urban transformation, while Wallonia is emerging as a strategic territory for energy-intensive, digital and scientific projects.

In this evolving environment, RSM Belgium helps its clients:

  • understand the challenges,
  • secure their investments,
  • structure their projects,
  • strengthen quality and sustainability.


Our teams are available to discuss your projects and support you across their real estate, energy, digital or strategic dimensions.

 

 

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