An Iconic site in the heart of Ghent
In September 2025, LIFE acquired the iconic Portus site in Ghent from Gedevco (Vandenabeele family). The site is located on 1.15 hectares along Keizer Karelstraat, where the Reep (Nederschelde) meets the River Lys and overlooks the Portus Ganda marina. It is the last major inner-city development site within Ghent’s historic city centre.
LIFE has chosen to build on the existing design by the renowned Ghent-based Coussée Goris Huyghe architects, while introducing a number of key changes that will make the future of this exceptional site even more distinctive.
The project is centred on the former Belgacom Tower. While the buildings behind the tower had already been demolished by the previous owner, the tower’s concrete structure – ground floor plus ten storeys – will be preserved in its entirety. This is also one of the project’s most significant sustainability decisions. It is recommended that the existing load-bearing structure be fully respected and reused, as opposed to demolishing or substantially altering it, in order to avoid a considerable amount of embodied CO2 emissions.
Exceptional living with unique views
The tower provides an unparalleled setting for luxury apartments, offering distinctive views of Ghent’s historic city centre and St Bavo’s Cathedral on one side, and the River Lys and its moored boats on the other.
The residential programme comprises a total of 105 apartments, including approximately 50 exclusive residences within the former Belgacom Tower and around 55 newly built apartments of varying sizes. The tower’s lower floors will feature office spaces, a co-working area, and premium wellness, fitness and social spaces.
The three new-build volumes will also feature vibrant ground floors, bringing together offices, retail, services and hospitality. Furthermore, LIFE has successfully reduced the three underground levels included in the previous permit to just one, significantly limiting the extent of below-ground construction.
A 5,000 m² Urban garden
It is important to note that the space around the built environment is just as important as the built environment itself. LIFE’s Portus project aims to create significant added value for the city by developing a unique 5,000 m² urban garden, integrating public and semi-public spaces. The garden has been designed by a collective of leading landscape architects, centred around Piet Oudolf, one of the world’s most renowned landscape designers.
Planning
The new planning application was submitted in July 2026, with the permit expected by the end of the same year. Sales are scheduled to launch shortly afterwards, with construction expected to commence in Q2/Q3 2027. It is anticipated that completion will be achieved within the 2029/2030 timeframe.
Giving new LIFE to Ghent’s Urban Heritage
Portus exemplifies LIFE’s strategy of rejuvenating inner-city areas with significant historical significance, extending their lifespan and enhancing their economic and social value. This development will make a lasting contribution not only to Ghent’s skyline, but also to the city’s remarkable historic centre.
