Uplace plans to open in 2018, negative opinion on Docks Bruxsel

Shopping and leisure complex Uplace in Machelen, just outside the Brussels Ring Road, has let more than half of its commercial space and is on track to open in 2018, developer Bart Verhaeghe said.

The controversial site is still fighting for approval of its environmental permit but hopes to have everything in order during the course of next year. Opponents include local retail organisations from nearby Vilvoorde and Grimbergen, as well as the more distant Leuven, supported by the self-employed organisation Unizo.

These groups claim that the complex will take business away from local shopping areas, while causing mobility chaos by adding to congestion on the Brussels Ring.

Verhaeghe said that a tram is planned linking Jette and Zaventem by 2020. In the meantime, De Lijn has agreed to lay on a shuttle bus between the airport, Vilvoorde station and the Uplace site. “Strictly speaking, we don't even need the tram to ensure outstanding accessibility,” he said.

A decision is awaited, meanwhile, from Flemish environment minister Joke Schauvliege on the environmental permit. Verhaeghe remains optimistic and said that Uplace plans to break ground in 2016, with a view to opening in 2018.

More than 40% of the shop space has been allocated to names such as Zara, Berschka, Massimo Dutti, Mango and Tommy Hilfiger. Belga Films will operate a 10-screen cinema complex, and there will be a theatre and concert venue of 3,000 seats, offices and a 190-room hotel.

In related news, the auditor of the Council of State has issued a negative opinion in the case of the shopping complex Docks Bruxsel (formerly known as Just Under the Sky) in an appeal against the grant of a social-economic permit. The full council is not bound to follow the auditor's advice but does so more often than not.

The shopping centre is planned for the site close to the Van Praet bridge over the Brussels canal in the Laken district. The auditor’s opinion raises serious doubts about mobility in the area and questions whether the project can be reconciled with the urban planning principles of the region’s government. The original plan to open in October 2016 could now be in jeopardy.

The social-economic permit was approved in 2013 by an inter-ministerial committee by a majority of five to three votes. The approval was brought before the Council of State, while the developer went ahead with the project. Last month Docks Bruxsel said it had 46 tenants lined up.

photo courtesy Uplace