How Urban Redevelopment is Breathing New Life into Retail in Belgium
In recent years, cities across Belgium have been reimagining their urban cores—not just to beautify public spaces, but to reinvigorate local economies, foster sustainability, and enhance quality of life. Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent are leading the way with strategic redevelopment projects that are transforming retail zones into vibrant commercial and cultural hubs.
Schutterhofstraat: From Vacancy to Vitality
One of the most striking success stories is Antwerp’s Schutterhofstraat. Once plagued by a 30% retail vacancy rate, this elegant shopping street has undergone a remarkable transformation. Thanks to targeted urban renewal efforts—improved pedestrian infrastructure, aesthetic upgrades, and better connectivity—the vacancy rate has plummeted to virtually zero. Today, Schutterhofstraat is bustling with high-end boutiques, cafés, and foot traffic, proving that thoughtful design can directly impact economic vitality.
The Brussels Pietonnier: Transforming the Heart of the City
Since its launch in 2015, the Brussels pedestrian zone—known locally as the Pietonnier—has become one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in Europe. Stretching along Boulevard Anspach in the city centre, the initiative aimed to reduce car traffic, improve air quality, and create a more vibrant, people-friendly public space.
Initial reactions were mixed, with concerns from local businesses and commuters about accessibility and economic impact. However, a 2024 impact analysis by VUB-Mobilise revealed that support for the pedestrian zone has grown significantly, especially among city residents and visitors, who now see it as a vibrant and accessible public space.
The pedestrianisation of Boulevard Anspach has significantly increased footfall in the area. This has benefited cafés, restaurants, and leisure-oriented retail, which thrive in high-traffic, walkable environments.
While hospitality and leisure businesses have generally benefited, some traditional retailers—especially those reliant on car access or delivery logistics—have struggled with the new pedestrian-only model.
The Meir in Antwerp: A New Vision for Belgium’s Longest Shopping Street
The Meir, Antwerp’s most iconic shopping boulevard, is next in line for a major facelift. The city has invited the public to weigh in on five proposed designs that aim to make the street more sustainable, accessible, and inviting. Plans include:
• More green spaces to enhance the pedestrian experience • Water recovery systems integrated into the infrastructure • Revamped paving and lighting to modernize the aesthetic without compromising its historic charm This redevelopment also includes adjacent streets like Leysstraat, Jezusstraat, and Twaalfmaandenstraat, ensuring a cohesive transformation of the entire shopping district.
Wapper: A Cultural and Commercial Crossroads
Wapper, the square nestled between the Meir and the Rubens House, is also undergoing a redesign. The new plan introduces a shallow water feature that references the historic underground Rui canal, blending heritage with modern sustainability. This space is set to become a serene yet dynamic meeting point for shoppers, tourists, and locals alike.
Waterloolaan and Guldenvlieslaan in Brussels
While detailed plans for Waterloolaan and Guldenvlieslaan are still in development, these areas are also earmarked for revitalization. The goal is to create a seamless, pedestrian-friendly network of commercial and cultural spaces that support both local businesses and international retailers.
Veldstraat in Ghent: A Long-Awaited Makeover
The legendary cobblestones and tram tracks of Ghent’s Veldstraat have been removed, replaced temporarily by asphalt. This marks the beginning of long-awaited works on the Petercelle axis—a five-year project to modernize one of the city’s busiest commercial and transit corridors.
The Ripple Effect on Retail
These redevelopment projects across Belgium are more than just cosmetic upgrades—they’re strategic investments in the country’s urban and economic future. By enhancing walkability, sustainability, and the overall shopping experience, cities are attracting new businesses, increasing foot traffic, and boosting consumer spending. Retailers benefit from higher visibility and a more pleasant environment, while residents enjoy more livable, vibrant urban centers.
