The Antwerp-Waasland region is struggling with an acute shortage of available business parks outside the port zones. According to a recent study by Rebel and Antea Group, commissioned by Voka-Chamber of Commerce Antwerp-Waasland, only a quarter of the wasted business grounds are effectively developable. Without intervention, the shortage threatens to rise to more than 587 hectares by 2050.
Of the 5,521 hectares of business parks outside the port areas, 353 hectares of wasteland and 551 hectares are currently used improperly. But through planning, legal and physical limitations, only 216 hectares can be used realistic without additional measures. In the Antwerp district is 122 hectares, in the Waasland on 94 hectares.
The study predicts that the trend demand for business parks in the Antwerp region will amount to 516 hectares by 2050, and in the Waasland to 287 hectares. In addition, hundreds of hectares are needed for a thorough circular transition. Without an active activation policy and strategic land policy, the deficit threatens to rise further, with negative consequences for economic growth and employment.
Voka calls for policymakers to take action: “There is a need for a targeted spatial-economic policy that entrepreneurs offer entrepreneurs perspective. The need is high and the time to intervene is now.”
