The logistics campus on the former Ford sites in Genk is taking an important step forward: the city of Genk has issued the environmental permit for the gatehouse, with which the development of the site can actually start.
The project is led by H.Essers and Group Machiels, together with the province of Limburg, POM Limburg, the city of Genk and the University of Hasselt. Various initiatives are already being developed on site in zones B and C by H.Essers, Port of Limburg and Genk Green Logistics. With the permit for zone A, an area of 4.5 hectares owned by POM Limburg and the city of Genk, the groundbreaking can now take place there too. The permit was applied for by Gateway Genk nv, a collaboration between Group Machiels and H.Essers.
Construction of the gatehouse is scheduled for the spring of 2026. The seven-storey building will accommodate 4,600 square meters of office space, supplemented with multi-purpose rooms and a company restaurant. The campus is scheduled for completion in 2028 and should become a meeting place for innovation and collaboration in the logistics sector. “Limburg wants to maintain its strong logistics position and prepare for the future,” emphasizes economy representative Tom Vandeput (CD&V).
With a height of 32 meters and a striking architecture, the gatehouse should become a landmark for the site. The design refers to both Limburg’s industrial past and the future, with a design reminiscent of coal and a black diamond. For Group Machiels and H.Essers, the project is the final part of their commitment to the reconversion of the former Ford site.
(Image: Binst Architects)
