An analysis by Voka shows that more than 155 hectares of industrial estates have been lost since 2013. That corresponds to 14 hectares or 28 football fields per year.
The analysis by Voka – Chamber of Commerce Antwerp-Waasland shows that the government is removing 28 football fields of designated space for the economy per year in the Antwerp district. The port area is not included in that analysis. The business sites are usually transformed into nature or residential projects.
“We estimate that another 147 hectares will be deleted in the short term without the prospect of compensation elsewhere,” says Secretary General Philippe Heyvaert. “This is very worrying with the construction shift in prospect. Because it stipulates that no more open space may be created by 2040.”
According to Voka, the lack of available settlement and relocation sites is a serious obstacle to economic development. “We therefore urge concrete measures to turn the tide. Every time land for industrial estates is deleted, more must be created elsewhere,” he concludes.
Tags: Antwerp loses hectares industrial estate year compensation land
