Oudaan
When architect Renaat Braem designed the Administrative Centre, he envisioned far more than a government building. Inspired by the post-war concept of the civic core, his ambition was to create the beating heart of the city; a place where public life, community and architecture would come together. The building was conceived as a symbol of openness, civic pride and connection, restoring the city centre as a place where people would meet, interact and feel part of something greater.
WAVE’s connection with the Oudaan goes back more than a decade. Ten years ago, Tanguy Westerlund and Eddie Leemans signed the agreement to acquire the building.
At the request of the city administration, the completion of the sale was postponed, allowing the police to remain at the Oudaan for several more years while their new premises were being completed, an arrangement to which neither buyer had any objection. The acquisition was ultimately finalised three years ago (2023).
Since then, the Oudaan has served as a striking location for several major international productions, including Netflix series. Originally designed as an administrative centre for the City of Antwerp and later home to the Antwerp police, our ambition is to transform the Oudaan into a contemporary office building while preserving its architectural identity.
RENAAT BREAM
Renaat Braem is widely regarded as one of Belgium's most influential architects and urban planners of the twentieth century. A visionary inspired by Le Corbusier, he believed architecture should do more than shape buildings; it should improve the way people live together.
His work combines bold modernist design with a strong social vision, always seeking a balance between functionality, community and human experience. Today, Braem's legacy continues to define the architectural identity of Antwerp and far beyond.
We are currently in regular dialogue with the City of Antwerp to move this ambition forward and create a clear framework for the Oudaan’s future. This will allow us to further explore both temporary uses and a long-term office programme.
With strong interest in the building and new enquiries coming in every day, we are eager to respond to this demand and gradually bring new activity to this remarkable Antwerp landmark.
The Stories Behind the Walls
While we continue our dialogue with the City of Antwerp, we remain confident that we can reach an agreement on the Oudaan’s long-term future as an office building. In the meantime, we do not want this remarkable place to stand still.
That is why we are already speaking with creatives, entrepreneurs and cultural partners about possible temporary uses. One of our dreams is to open the Oudaan to the public through an immersive journey into the building’s history and Renaat Braem’s remarkable architecture.
Visitors could explore Braem’s architectural vision as they move through the tower’s distinctive spaces, from its former offices and corridors to the prison cells. Original podcasts and audio stories could bring decades of memories back to life, while former police officers, residents, architects and eyewitnesses share untold stories and reveal the human side of a place that has shaped Antwerp for generations.
Historical film footage, architectural details, artistic installations and intimate listening spaces could turn the Oudaan into a living archive, bringing architecture, memory and storytelling together as the building prepares for its next chapter.
A place once built to keep stories inside could temporarily open its doors and share them with the city.
Temporary Activation
As we work towards a new chapter for the Oudaan, it is our ambition to open its doors to the city.
While we hope to obtain the necessary approvals for its future transformation,
we would also like to explore how the building could already contribute to Antwerp through temporary uses.
More than a landmark
The many creative, cultural and community-focused proposals we receive reveal the extraordinary potential of the square in front of the Oudaan. In response to this growing interest, we aim to breathe new life into the square and gradually transform it into a vibrant meeting place for the city.
Together with local entrepreneurs and creative partners, we are exploring how the square could become a welcoming place for everyone. One possibility is a lively food street that builds on the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of the Lombardenvest, offering new places to eat, meet and enjoy the city during the summer months.
Thoughtful planting and greenery could also create a more comfortable microclimate, making the square more inviting throughout the year. In winter, the space could take on a different character, providing a warm setting for Christmas experiences and other seasonal activities.
Our ambition is to create a place that feels alive all year round, where Antwerp residents and visitors can come together and experience one of the city’s most iconic locations.
A home for the ideas of tomorrow
The future of the Oudaan is about more than preserving an iconic building, it is about creating new opportunities for work, innovation and entrepreneurship in the heart of Antwerp.
Wave envisions the Oudaan as a place where ambitious companies, creative studios, publishers, architects, technology firms and mission-driven organisations can work side by side. A destination where established businesses and young talent inspire one another, creating an ecosystem of ideas, collaboration and growth.
By bringing together organisations that value creativity, innovation and social impact, the Oudaan will become more than an office building. It will be a workplace where businesses grow, partnerships emerge and new ideas help shape the future of Antwerp.