Akzo Nobel site in Vilvoorde transformed into sustainable residential and shopping area 'De Perken'

Akzo Nobel's plant at the Leuvensesteenweg in the Faubourg district of Vilvoorde by Brussels produced paint for years. But once it closed, the site became derelict and got nicknamed De Levis. Now, after many years of complete standstill, something has started moving and property developer Kolmont is repurposing the plot of 1.5 ha. With De Perken, the company from Limburg aims to develop a brand new quality and lively city district.

'De Perken'

"The project will make the link between the residential area to the north of the site and the industrial hustle and bustle to the south of the district," explains Hans Bonte, mayor of Vilvoorde. Michel Verhoeven, project leader at Kolmont, adds, "As property developers, we always choose projects that combine a mix of functions. Affordable housing, shops supporting the neighbourhood, extra greenery on the corner of the Zavelstraat and Perksestraat, cosy public spaces... it's all in the plans for De Perken. The Leuvensesteenweg, which is connected to the large-scale SME zone to the south of the Faubourg district and the Woluwelaan, will be the only access road to the shops, both for shoppers and deliveries. So the local residents of the adjacent streets don’t have the worry about lots of extra traffic."

Antea Group supported the project by remediating the soil. As soil remediation experts, we make sure remediation and earthworks are done properly, so we can create a heathy and green living environment for everyone. Kolmont also asked our specialists to conduct a mobility survey and the environmental impact assessment (millieueffectenrapport - MER) for the project. This way, we will make this brand new district optimally accessible and liveable.

Hemp as a temporary cover

While awaiting approval of the project by Vilvoorde city council, 1.5 million hemp plants will be sown on the former industrial site, which Kolmont and sustainable building experts ReLife want to turn into natural insulation once they are fully grown.

"Hemp is really win-win for the environment, as the plants cannot only be used as insulation, but are also a CO₂-negative product, because they will absorb 22 tons of carbon dioxide as they grow. A maximum of four houses can be insulated with one crop. The hemp flowers, which cannot be used in insulation, will go to a brewery in Zottegem in East Flanders to make beer," explains ReLife sustainability expert Frederik Verstraete.

Hemp also has a number of other benefits. Plants do not need a lot of water, for example, pesticides or chemical fertiliser and they are a natural herbicide. Not to mention it is nicer for local residents to look at a green field than at some derelict bit of wasteland.