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New sustainable port economic zone

The TIR centre - ©Port of Brussels

2012-12-20 – The Regional Government of Brussels and the boards of directors of the Port of Brussels and the Brussels Regional Development Agency (SDRB-GOMB) have approved the creation of a sustainable port economic zone on an 86,470 m² site between the TIR centre and the Tour & Taxis site, on Avenue du Port/Havenlaan. The project should directly create at least 300 jobs.

The plans will see a completely new space being created in this part of the city, dedicated to sustainable economic and transport activities directly related to the provision of supplies to the city and the economy of Brussels.

Particular care has been taken in the development of the plans to avoid the ‘industrial zoning’ effect, by aiming for optimal urban integration for this new economic site with the neighbouring Tour & Taxis and Laeken (Tivoli) districts, which will also see changes in the years ahead, with the introduction of new housing, facilities and green spaces.

In concrete terms, the site will be split into two:

  • a zone of around 53,500 m², to be developed and commercialised by a partnership between the Port of Brussels and SDRB-GOMB for the introduction of urban businesses integrated into the immediate environment. The Port and SDRB-GOMB recently conducted a study showing the business sector’s interest in the site: some 70 companies expressed an interest.
  • a zone of 26,800m², developed by the Port of Brussels for the construction of a new-generation logistics warehouse, complementing the current TIR centre. The estimated cost of building this warehouse is 19 million euros. The current TIR centre will also be renovated to improve its integration in the city.

The aim is to boost the TIR centre’s current role, making it a model centre for sustainable urban distribution and developing a business space that will create jobs for people in Brussels.

The project heralds a new direction for the development of economic zones in the city centre. The aim is to optimise the limited space available in Brussels, leading to better returns in terms of job creation and enhancing the surrounding area.

More details: www.portdebruxelles.be