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🇧🇪 Belgium /Energy & Infrastructure

Works on successor Uplace project begin: BROEKLIN to open in 2028

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Preparatory groundworks have begun for the BROEKLIN Brussels project on the former Uplace site in Machelen, Belgium.
  • The project aims to transform the site into a diverse urban district with spaces for shopping, working, hospitality, a concert hall, and a city farm.
  • The new district is scheduled to open in 2028, following the completion of construction works later this year.

Preparatory groundworks have commenced for the BROEKLIN Brussels project on the former Uplace site in Machelen, marking a significant step towards the redevelopment of the long-contested area. Project developer Uplace is preparing the site for the main construction works, which are slated to begin later this year.

It goes not about soil remediation, but about preparatory works that are necessary to make the site ready for the next phase of the project.

— Steve ClaeysSchepen of Spatial Planning explaining the nature of the current groundworks.

The initial phase involves making the terrain construction-ready. This includes using excavators, a screening plant, and a crushing installation. According to the current schedule, these groundworks are expected to take approximately three months, concluding by November. Schepen van Ruimtelijke Ordening Steve Claeys (N-VA) clarified that these are preparatory works, not soil remediation, necessary to ready the site for the subsequent construction phases.

The contractor and client indicate that they are taking the necessary measures to limit the impact as much as possible.

— Steve ClaeysOn measures to mitigate disruption for residents.

While the preparatory works are underway, disruption for local residents is expected to be minimal, though potential noise and dust are factors to consider. The contractor and client have assured that measures are being taken to limit the impact, and only limited traffic disruption is anticipated.

We are particularly enthusiastic that the meticulous preparatory work has already started.

— Lisa VerhaegheRetail Leasing Manager at Uplace, expressing excitement about the project's commencement.

The BROEKLIN project signifies a definitive new purpose for the former Uplace site, which has been the subject of years of legal procedures and debates over its future use. Unlike the previously contested shopping complex, BROEKLIN promises a varied urban district. It will offer spaces for retail, offices, entrepreneurship, dining, a concert hall, and even a city farm, aiming to create a vibrant and multifaceted community hub. The new district is anticipated to open its doors in 2028.

It is the prelude to the actual construction works later this year.

— Lisa VerhaegheOn the significance of the preparatory works for the project's timeline.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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