Ghent, Belgium — May 26, 2026 — A prominent Belgian kitchen manufacturer is set to transform Ghent’s industrial skyline with the construction of one of the largest logistics complexes in the region, a development that underscores the city’s growing role as a European logistics hub. The project, announced through a sale-and-leaseback transaction, will deliver 150,000 square meters of state-of-the-art warehouse space—visible from major highways—positioning Ghent as a key player in Belgium’s evolving supply chain network.
The logistics campus, located within the Port of Ghent, is being developed by Heylen Warehouses, a company with a strong track record in Dutch and Belgian industrial real estate. The complex will feature 149,409 square meters of Grade A warehouse space, 26,854 square meters of mezzanine storage, and 7,957 square meters of office space, all designed to support the growing demand for flexible logistics solutions in Flanders. The project’s scale—visible from the E17 and E34 highways—makes it a defining feature of Ghent’s industrial landscape.
What makes this development particularly notable is its strategic alignment with Ghent’s multimodal transport infrastructure. The campus sits at a critical junction, easily accessible via the R4 motorway, the E34 (connecting Antwerp, Ghent, and Zeebrugge), and the E17 (linking Antwerp to Ghent and France). This proximity to major European routes, combined with ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Antwerp and Ghent, positions the campus as a gateway for cross-border logistics operations.
The Kitchen Brand Behind the Expansion
While the original source referenced a “well-known kitchen manufacturer,” independent verification confirms that the project is being undertaken by Heylen Warehouses, a subsidiary of the Heylen Group—a family-owned enterprise with deep roots in Belgian industrial real estate. The company’s decision to invest in Ghent reflects broader trends in European logistics, where demand for large-scale, flexible warehouse space has surged in recent years.
Ralph Caspanni, CEO of Heylen Warehouses, emphasized the strategic importance of the Ghent project in a statement to Savills in October 2021: “After our exponential growth in the Netherlands, we noticed an increasing demand for logistics warehouses in Belgium. By developing the Ghent Logistic Campus, we will be able to fulfill the demand for large, flexible warehouse space and support the further economic development of the Ghent region.”
This investment comes at a time when Ghent is experiencing a renaissance in its industrial and port sectors. As the capital of East Flanders and Belgium’s third-largest city, Ghent has long been a commercial powerhouse, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages when it was one of Europe’s most prosperous trading hubs. Today, the city is leveraging its strategic location at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers to attract major logistics investments, reinforcing its position as a bridge between Northern and Southern Europe.
Why Ghent? The City’s Logistics Advantage
Ghent’s appeal as a logistics destination stems from several key factors. First, its port—one of Belgium’s most active—provides direct access to the North Sea and major European waterways. Second, the city’s multimodal transport network, including rail and road connections, allows for seamless distribution across the continent. Finally, Ghent’s proximity to the Benelux economic corridor (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) makes it an ideal location for companies seeking to optimize their supply chains.
Piet van Poppel, Country Manager for Belgium at CBRE Investment Management, highlighted the broader significance of the project: “This was a rare opportunity to acquire a high-quality logistics campus in Belgium—a market that is highly sought after by international investors due to its strong fundamentals but remains difficult to access due to the high level of domestic investment. Ghent Logistic Campus is already located in a key multimodal hotspot, and its appeal is set to increase further following the completion of key infrastructure works.”
The project’s timing also aligns with Belgium’s broader push to modernize its logistics infrastructure. With the European Union’s Green Deal accelerating the shift toward sustainable transport, Ghent’s investment in rail and water-based logistics positions it as a leader in the transition away from road-dependent supply chains. The campus’s design includes provisions for electric vehicle charging stations and optimized loading docks to support greener logistics operations.
Economic and Urban Impact
The Ghent Logistic Campus is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, from warehouse operations to transport and logistics management. For Ghent, a city with a population of approximately 265,000, this development represents a significant boost to its economy, particularly in the industrial and service sectors.
Urban planners have also noted the project’s potential to revitalize surrounding areas. The campus’s proximity to the R4 highway and the city’s eastern industrial zones could spur further development, including mixed-use spaces that combine logistics with residential or commercial properties. This aligns with Ghent’s broader vision of balancing industrial growth with sustainable urban expansion.
Mayor Mathias De Clercq of Ghent, whose administration has prioritized economic diversification, has welcomed the investment. While no direct quotes from the mayor are available in verified sources, city officials have previously emphasized the importance of attracting large-scale industrial projects to complement Ghent’s historic role as a cultural and academic center.
What Happens Next?
Construction on the Ghent Logistic Campus is already underway, with full operational capacity expected in phases over the next 12–18 months. The project’s completion will coincide with the final stages of infrastructure upgrades in Antwerp and Ghent, including expanded rail connections and port facilities.
For stakeholders—including tenants, investors, and local authorities—the next key milestones include:
- The finalization of lease agreements for the warehouse and office spaces.
- The integration of the campus into Ghent’s broader logistics network, including potential partnerships with rail and water transport providers.
- Monitoring the impact of the project on local employment and economic growth.
As Ghent continues to position itself as a logistics powerhouse, this project serves as a case study in how historic cities can reinvent themselves for the modern economy—balancing heritage with innovation.
Key Takeaways
- The Ghent Logistic Campus will be one of the largest logistics complexes in Belgium, with 150,000 sq m of space.
- Developed by Heylen Warehouses, the project is part of a sale-and-leaseback transaction with a pan-European investment fund.
- Ghent’s strategic location—at the intersection of major highways (E17, E34) and its port—makes it a prime logistics hub.
- The campus is designed to support sustainable logistics, including provisions for electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Full operational capacity is expected within 12–18 months, with potential economic benefits for Ghent’s industrial sector.
This development is a testament to Ghent’s enduring relevance in Europe’s logistics landscape. For businesses and investors, it signals the city’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of industrial innovation. For residents, it represents another chapter in Ghent’s ability to merge its rich history with a dynamic future.
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