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De Kazerne in Ghent has been nominated for the RES Awards 2025 in the (semi-)public development category. Organised by the Real Estate Society (RES vzw), the awards annually recognise excellence in Belgian real estate development.
The historic Leopold Barracks in Ghent has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, evolving from a 19th-century military bastion into an open urban district. What was once a closed enclave is now an inviting urban quarter where public facilities, housing, work and social interaction come together around a new green neighbourhood park.
At the heart of the two-hectare site lies the redesigned Paradeplein, one of the largest — and until recently hidden — squares in Ghent. The former paved inner courtyard has been replaced by an accessible neighbourhood park that connects seamlessly to the surrounding streets. Located on Ghent’s inner ring road, opposite Citadel Park and embedded in the museum and arts district, the site is now connected to a network of public spaces and cultural institutions.
In addition to the new Provincial Government Building of East Flanders, De Kazerne comprises a mix of apartments, houses, ateliers, classrooms, a childcare centre and a hotel.
The redevelopment is the result of an intensive collaboration between B2Ai architects, Sergison Bates architects and 360 architecten, commissioned by the Province of East Flanders and realised through a public–private partnership with Matexi, Ciril, Democo & Nelson Group.
