“Manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers from across the world will gather there to do business,” said Tom Van Herwaarden of Bernaerts. “European Market City will cover more than 20 trade categories, including construction materials, fashion, interior design, diamonds and electronics, all under one roof.” There will also be space to organise trade fairs, fashion shows and product launches. “We hope to bring in 200,000 visitors a year,” says Van Herwaarden.

The complex will be built on the former Ased coke works. The severe soil pollution on the site has taken Bernaerts three years to clean up, in a public-private cooperation with the town of Willebroek, the Antwerp provincial development agency, the waterways authority, the Flemish government and the Waste management agency Ovam. The Willebroek site is now the largest brownfield development in Flanders.

European Market City will provide about 1,300 new jobs, with an estimated market value of €400 to €500 million. Construction is due to start at the end of the year and scheduled to be completed by January of 2012.