Bruges (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Bruges’s old Philips television factory is being demolished to make way for a new SME park, Portis, which will host 49 businesses. The redevelopment aims to preserve local history while creating jobs, with 60% renovation and 40% new construction. The first phase is expected by spring 2025.
The final demolition work is happening at the old Philips site in Bruges, which used to be a busy television factory that was important to the city’s history. The remaining buildings are being taken down as part of a redevelopment plan. For many people in Bruges, the factory is more than just a piece of history, it holds personal memories. Van Hamme mentions that almost every family in Bruges has a connection to the factory, as many people worked there assembling, testing, or packaging televisions. The factory had a big impact on the local economy and community.
How is Bruges transforming the Philips factory into a new Business hub?
The “television factory” in Bruges is being demolished, which marks the end of a significant time for the area. Many locals remember it as a big employer, and even though it’s being cleared for new projects, the memories of its importance are still strong. The old Philips site will be turned into a park for small and medium businesses, offering space for 49 companies in four buildings. The buildings will vary in size, from 164 to 1,183 square meters, making it a good place for different types of businesses, whether they need space for making things or offices.
Many people are interested in the new SME park, with almost half of the spaces already sold. The city council has noticed that there is a high demand, showing that local businesses want to set up in this new area. The project is expected to help the local economy by creating a modern place for businesses, creating jobs, and supporting Bruges change its industrial areas to fit the needs of today’s companies. The change from a historical television factory to a modern business park shows how the city’s economy is evolving and getting ready for future growth.
The new project will keep some of Bruges’ character by updating the old warehouses in a modern way. It will be mostly about fixing up what’s already there, using 60% renovation and 40% new building. It has been said that the old foundations and steel are still strong, which helps save money and time. This also supports the goal of being eco-friendly while keeping some history. The name Portis connects to the port and the city gates, showing new chances for businesses. They mentioned that if all goes well, the first part will be ready by spring 2025, and the second will follow later that year.
