Zonhoven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Limburg plans to expand business land in Bree, Zonhoven, and Bilzen-Hoeselt. With only 300 hectares left, Inge Moors (CD&V) leads efforts using VITO’s study and land swaps.
As VRT News reported, the province of Limburg wants to solve the problem of not having enough land for businesses. Business groups have been saying for years that it is getting hard to find space to build or grow companies. Officials mentioned that there are still 300 hectares of land that can be used, but that will not be enough for the future.
Asa Deputy Inge Moors (CD&V), who works on planning where land is used, says Limburg must act now. The province will first add more industrial space in Bree, Zonhoven, and Bilzen-Hoeselt. These places have almost no free business land left, and many companies want to settle or expand there. Limburg wants to make sure businesses can stay in the region and do not need to move elsewhere to find room.
What is Limburg doing to create 300 hectares for business?
The province commissioned the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) to conduct a study to assist with the plan. They said the aim is to map where the need for additional industrial land is most acute, and where more space could be useful. The study showed that Bree, Zonhoven, and Bilzen-Hoeselt have the biggest need.
“We also considered criteria such as accessibility, nature, agriculture, water sensitivity, and enclosure,”
Deputy Inge Moors (CD&V) said.
According to officials, the province of Limburg wants to make more space for businesses. First, it will improve how land is used in places where companies already work. Empty spots will be filled, and businesses will be placed closer together. Limburg also wants to move quiet businesses like tailors, carpenters, and potters into towns and villages. These small businesses do not make noise or traffic.
The province of Limburg has a 3rd plan to help businesses find better places to work. It wants to move companies from areas that are not good for industry to land that is more suitable. The province is looking for new land that is easy to reach, safe from floods, and ready for building. In return, it will offer help or payment to companies that leave areas with problems, like places that are too wet or bad for the environment.
