The six former sites of the bankrupt retail chain makro—located in Alleur, Deurne, Eke, Lodelinsart, Machelen, adn Sint-Pieters-Leeuw—along with the five sites of wholesale Metro in Antwerp, Evergem, Namur, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, and Wevelgem, have been sold to LCV Real Estates and Colruyt Group. The announcement was made on Friday evening, though financial details remain undisclosed. This acquisition encompasses a staggering 750,000 square meters of land, with nearly 160,000 square meters already built upon. The stores have been vacant since the end of 2022, following the bankruptcy of Makro Cash & Carry Belgium in early 2023. To prevent illegal dumping and vandalism, the Makro site in Machelen has been repurposed as a parking lot for over a thousand Tesla vehicles.
The future of thes sites remains uncertain. Colruyt Group is considering introducing its own store concept or renting the spaces to third parties. “That must all be studied now. We will have to sit around the table with various parties, including the necessary permits,” says Colruyt Group spokeswoman Hanne Poppe. “A temporary destination is also one of the options,” she adds. Meanwhile, LCV Real Estates, half-owned by entrepreneur Willy Naessens, highlights the sites’ “excellent locations with large redevelopment potential” and emphasizes its “years of know-how in mixed industrial developments.”
| Key Details | Details |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Total Land Acquired | 750,000 square meters |
| Built Area | Nearly 160,000 square meters |
| Makro Sites | Alleur, Deurne, Eke, Lodelinsart, Machelen, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw |
| Metro Sites | Antwerp, Evergem, Namur, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Wevelgem |
| Current Use of Machelen Site | Parking lot for over 1,000 Tesla vehicles |
| Potential Future Uses | Colruyt store concept, third-party rentals, temporary destinations |
the acquisition marks a significant step in the redevelopment of these prime locations. With LCV Real Estates and Colruyt Group at the helm,the sites are poised for transformation. whether through new retail concepts, industrial developments, or temporary solutions, the potential for these spaces is vast. as Willy Naessens continues to expand his influence across industries,this project underscores his commitment to innovative real estate solutions. For more insights into Naessens’ entrepreneurial journey, read about his leadership in swimming pools and industrial construction.
