November 15, 2010
Redevco Retail Belgium has secured all key anchors for a 29,000 sq m complex currently being redeveloped in Drogenbos, one of the most important peripheral retail parks in Belgium.
The main tenants are Carrefour, Brico, Dreamland, Lunch Garden, SportsDirect.com, Luxus, PointCarré, Auto 5, Quick and Pizza Hut. The property has more than 800 parking spaces. Redevco has invested € 8 million in the redevelopment project.
The property is located in the heart of an important retail hub near the Brussels Ring Road, which connects the E19 from Antwerp to the E19 towards Nivelles and Paris.
The development was originally built in the 1970s and was in sore need of an overhaul when Redevco Retail Belgium started the renovation in early 2010. The outdated Disport store will be demolished to create new 2-storey units for Disport (SportsWorld), PointCarré and Luxus. The existing Brico store will be demolished to make way for a new Dreamland. A new Brico store will be built to house the currently separate Brico and Brico Garden concepts.
The redevelopment project will target the entire infrastructure, creating new parking facilities and a new promenade. Redevco will also upgrade the Carrefour facades, to give the whole site a new look. The architecture is far more advanced and aesthetically pleasing than is usually seen in retail parks.
To improve energy efficiency and to promote green design the new units planned are being developed according to BREEAM standards. BREEAM is the world’s longest established and most widely used green building standard. Redevco is planning to install photovoltaic solar panels on the roof and sun trackers in the parking area. These systems can produce sufficient energy to meet the electricity needs of several houses. Redevco is currently considering installing chargers for electric vehicles, which would be powered partly by the photovoltaic panels on the roof of that part of the car park.
Cushman & Wakefield found tenants for all the new units to be built. The redevelopment was designed by Jaspers-Eyers & Partners and the main contractor is AMART.
This operation is in line with Redevco’s ambitious renovation and revitalisation policy for its various Belgian sites aimed at creating leading commercial properties. Redevco Retail Belgium is both developer and owner of this property. The completely redeveloped complex is scheduled to be reopened in spring 2012.
