The 83,500 sq m redevelopment includes 10,000 sq m of additional temperature-controlled space and will host five logistics companies
Brussels Airport has held the official opening for its new €70m Brucargo Central area that will increase cargo storage capacity to meet growing demand.
The new cargo area measures 83,500 sq m and replaces eight “outdated” buildings with three modern warehouse and office facilities totalling 34,000 sq m.
"This large-scale redevelopment will increase storage capacity by 30% at Brucargo Central, while reducing paved areas by 20% to create more green spaces and a more pleasant working environment, and improving mobility on site."
The development also includes an additional 10,000 sq m of temperature-controlled space, bringing total cold storage capacity in the Brussels Airport cargo area to 45,000 sq m.
Work on the area has been running for the past three years.
The airport said that it had launched the redevelopment project following growth in cargo volumes over recent years. Volumes last year reached 733,000 tonnes after growing by an average rate of 6% per year since 2019.
As well as the redevelopment of Brucargo Central, the airport has also constructed specialist facilities such as the Animal Cargo and Inspection centre in 2020, developed Brucargo West and constructed a building for Herfurth Logistics.
Arnaud Feist, chief executive of Brussels Airport, said: “Accelerating the development of the cargo area at Brussels Airport is one of our strategic priorities.
"Our role is to be a trusted partner that offers the space, flexibility and long-term perspective that logistics operators need to thrive in a constantly evolving market. Brucargo Central illustrates this perfectly."
All the new buildings have BREEAM-Excellent certification and utilise solar panels, electric heat pumps, geothermal storage (BEO), optimised water management, improved indoor air quality, and natural light.
“As with all Brussels Airport projects, sustainability is at the heart of Brucargo Central, from conception to completion. With these choices, Brucargo Central is a concrete illustration of our commitment to accelerating the sustainable transition of our cargo area and achieving our net zero carbon ambition by 2030,” added Feist.
The new buildings will host five logistics companies. Nippon Express is expanding its presence with a 10,000 sq m airfreight facility, with a focus on the healthcare sector and European consolidation.
DSV Air & Sea is investing in a new 12,600 sq m warehouse, with a focus on pharmaceuticals in the healthcare sector.
Meanwhile, Hazgo is moving to a 2,000 sq m space, EV Cargo is also taking space at the site and Deny Cargo will gain a 2,500 sq m warehouse including refrigerated storage options.
