MALT urban renewal project in Mechelen has started

In the summer of 2021, a first phase of demolition works took place at the Postzegellaan. Today the starting signal has been given for the final phase of demolition at Guldendal and Geerdegemvaart.

By the end of March 2022 all Inofer buildings should have been removed from the street scene, with the exception of the iconic heritage building Socaré, which will be restored to its former glory.  

Alexander Vandersmissen, Mayor of the City of Mechelen:

“The old Inofer site is located in a city district that was heavily industrialized in the past. Today it is one of the last dilapidated sites in Mechelen. The demolition works will draw a definitive line under a period of abandonment. It is also the real beginning of the MALT urban renewal project. With its excellent location near the station and the canal, MALT has all the assets to become an ideal place to live, work and relax in Mechelen”.

For Alderwoman for Urban Renewal, Greet Geypen, the demolition works at Inofer are also important because they reinforce the ongoing renewal of the Mechelen station environment: “In previous years, several beautiful projects have been completed that have slowly but surely put our city on the map. This project is no different, moreover it also gives an impulse to the economic life of our city on an ideal location, close to the station. MALT fits within the vision of the city council on urban renewal, in which the upgrading of the Mechelen station environment, but also goes hand in hand with other major urban development projects such as the Ragheno and Komet sites. This project eliminates vacancy, including a dilapidated heritage building, and creates residential and employment opportunities in a quality manner.”

Milestone in development process

The consortium of Jan De Nul, PSR and CODIC has been together since 2020 collaborating through their knowledge of redevelopment of brownfield and complex projects to develop this reconversion project. Since the acquisition of the old Inofer site, PSR-CODIC has gone through a detailed preliminary process with the city services involved, the neighbourhood, as well as the developers of the adjacent old furniture factory site. The project partners are looking forward to starting the next steps in the development process with the aim of realizing an innovative reconversion project in Mechelen.

Johan Geeroms, Managing Director PSR (member of Jan De Nul Group):  “This project is important to us, because it is a textbook example of the redevelopment of vacant and undervalued sites, which require a comprehensive solution to numerous challenges including mobility, accessibility, environment, heritage and circular construction. We are delighted that the final demolition works on Inofer can start today and we are looking forward to being able to start the soil remediation works and a first construction phase, together with the environmental and civil engineering department within Jan De Nul Group later this year”.

Christophe Jacobs, General Manager CODIC Belgium:  “The iconic Socaré building will take on a pioneering role in Mechelen: together with new buildings yet to be constructed; the heritage building to be renovated will provide space in a car-free, highly accessible and green living environment for 4,000 m² of sustainable living and 17,800 m² of innovative office concepts. For all future office functions (new construction and renovation) on the old Inofer site, we are committed to obtaining the ‘Breeam Excellent Certification’, a globally recognized method for assessing and certifying a sustainably built environment. In doing so, we want to maximise the current wishes and future requirements of new office tenants and contribute within the MALT project to making the office market in Mechelen more sustainable.”

Less disruption

Site traffic relating to the current demolition works will be directed via a temporary entrance at the Postzegellaan, thus avoiding traffic disruption in the immediate environment. After the demolition works, the necessary soil remediation on site will be able to start in spring 2022.

Anticipated start first construction phase in fall 2022

Following the allotment permit that was obtained at the end of 2021, efforts will be made in the coming months to obtain the environmental permit for the various buildings and functions. The start of the first construction phase is currently planned for autumn 2022. The first residents are expected by the end of 2024.  

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About MALT Mechelen

In the vicinity of the renovated station and the canal, district MALT is writing a new chapter in the history of Mechelen city. A vibrant mix of modern living, working, and relaxation will re-invigorate the old Inofer site, a historical part of the former ‘Malterie Vandermolen’ malting plant. A sustainable and long awaited upgrade of a site abandoned for years which restores the historic heritage to a place of honour. A green and open space offers more options for the existing neighbourhood and for all future occupants and users over different generations. www.malt-mechelen.be

About PSR

Jan De Nul Group is an active player on the project development market through its subsidiary PSR (Partner in Site Reconversion) since 1999. We focus on urban renovation projects and the reuse and (re)development of existing un-used or underutilised sites, often with an historical environmental pollution problem. This fits within a forward-looking vision of urban planning and project development. Our commitment when handling large-scale and smaller real estate projects: an optimum spatial integration of the project area in the immediate vicinity; architectural quality; focus on sustainable project development and stakeholder management. Thanks to the synergies within Jan De Nul Group with, a/o, the civil works and environment division, we can offer overall solutions through an integrated approach.

www.jandenul.com | www.psr.eu

About Codic

Codic has been active as a highly committed real estate developer for 50 years. The group focuses on multifunctional developments in Europe: from office projects to shopping centres and housing. In each project, special attention is paid to the creation of a pleasant living and working environment. Codic's basic principles are a strong architectural identity, the quality of programming and materials, state-of-the-art technologies, high-quality landscaping and a commitment to sustainable development in every project. Perfectly in line with its working philosophy, Codic often integrates works of art in its developments. Codic applies its knowledge to various European countries: Belgium, France, the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Hungary, Spain and Romania.

 www.codic.eu