To accommodate future growth Brussels Airport company will invest 70 million euro over the next three years on the redevelopment of Brucargo’s ‘historic centre’. Initial work has already started, targeting the completion of the new buildings in early 2025. Approached by CFG, Director Cargo & Logistics Geert Aerts elaborates on the project.
CFG: Mr Aerts, is this investment new or is it just a confirmation of an earlier scheme?
GA: “It is new, as a direct realization of our SHIFT 2027 strategy (https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2022/05/29/short-shots/) that was announced last week and with which we fully commit ourselves to
increasing the availability of real estate in our cargo zone. We want to further strengthen our role as a cargo hub, both in processes and in infrastructure.”
“Last year, we completed 50,000 m² of warehouses and offices, involving three partners. We now invest in the development of the next zone. In this type of projects Brussels Airport is both the
principal and the owner. We rent out the buildings to our customers, so that we can develop the zone in a uniform way, watch over the quality of the building works, prioritize sustainability and
make full use of energy efficiency and sustainable building methods. It is also an income generator, within the cornerstone ‘diversification’ in our new strategy.”
CFG: Are we talking about the ‘historic centre’ of Brucargo?
GA: “Indeed. In this zone a lot of buildings go back to the first development of Brucargo in the 1980ies. These outdated premises will be pulled down, to be replaced by three new
constructions as well as a parking tower. Simultaneously the traffic circulation such as the connecting roads between the buildings, including pedestrians and cyclists, will be optimised.”
CFG: Do you already have potential users for these newbuilt projects?
GA: “With its unique location in the heart of Europe, the global recognition as a premier pharma hub, the extensive focus on e-commerce, live animals and perishables, also thanks
to our investments in digitization and innovation, Brussels Airport is very attractive to companies with high ambitions for growth.”
“Triggered by the sustainable volume growth since 2020 (+31%), this has extensively increased demand for additional warehousing capacity. We are collaborating actively with potential users so
that they can be accommodated in this new development as well and settle down at our Brucargo zone, where their present and future talent and customers can get the best experience. At the next
phase in the project, we will communicate on who will establish its enterprise there.”
CFG: Has the old idea of totally fencing off the cargo zone been revived?
GA: “No, this is not at issue at the moment. To improve safety, security and circulation at the zone, an upgraded mobility scheme will be implemented as part of this development.
It will integrate public transport and cycling as well as trucking and passenger transport.”
Marcel Schoeters in Brussels
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