The Grand Bazar shopping centre on Groenplaats in Antwerp will no longer operate as a traditional mall. This shift reflects a growing trend in urban retail spaces, as confirmed in a statement made on 2025-08-01 15:21:00. Only the street-facing shops will remain, while the first-floor retail areas will be converted into offices or Hilton hotel rooms.
- De Grand Bazar verandert naar kantoren en hotelkamers
- Winkelruimtes boven de straat worden omgevormd
- Hiltonhotel breidt uit in Groenplaats Antwerpen
- Eigenaar IRET erkent falen stadswinkelcentra
- Winkels blijven alleen aan straatkant open
- Tanguy Ottomer benadrukt veranderende winkeltrends
Shopping centres in city centres are becoming less viable, according to Tanguy Ottomer, spokesperson for owner IRET. This move raises questions about the future of retail hubs in Belgium’s urban heartlands. How will this transformation impact local shoppers and businesses? And what does it mean for the city’s commercial landscape?
These changes at Grand Bazar offer a glimpse into evolving urban development strategies, balancing commercial needs with hospitality and office space demand.
Why is this transformation happening now? The decline of inner-city shopping centres is reshaping how cities use prime real estate. Key points include:
- Urban shopping centres struggle to attract consistent foot traffic.
- Mixed-use developments combining retail, offices, and hotels are more sustainable.
- Retailers prefer street-level exposure over enclosed mall spaces.
- Hilton’s involvement signals growing demand for hospitality in central Antwerp.
As Antwerp’s Grand Bazar evolves, other Belgian cities may follow suit. Will we see more shopping centres reinvented as mixed-use spaces? Stay informed on how these changes affect your local shopping and business environment.
