Realisation in the spotlights: Jumbo Kuurne

The new retail site along the Ringweg (R8) in Kuurne has been completed and officially opened its doors. On the former site of toy wholesaler Vanok, there is now a modern retail site with Jumbo as the biggest eye-catcher. Willy Naessens Industrials Buildings realised this major project on behalf of retail property developer Quest for Property.

After Zedelgem, the new Jumbo store is the second branch of the Dutch supermarket chain in West Flanders. With an area of 1,600 m², Jumbo occupies the largest part of the site. There are also two additional premises of 400 m² and 1,600 m² respectively. The building consists of three floors.

Sustainability and employment central

‘This prime location along the Ring Road in Kuurne offers a unique opportunity for sustainable and future-oriented development,’ says Bruno Janssens, CEO of Quest for Property.
The project not only ensures economic growth, but also a significant increase in employment.

The site was built with a strong focus on sustainability. It achieved BREEAM's ‘outstanding label’, the leading certificate for sustainable buildings with minimal environmental impact. Thanks to various measures, the design achieved an exceptional BREEAM score of 88.13%, reflecting the highest rating.

A major contribution to the site's sustainability comes from the 462 solar panels installed on the roof of the Jumbo shop. These panels, accounting for a capacity of 170 kWp, are expected to generate 140,544 kWh of green energy annually.
Fun fact: This corresponds to the electricity needs of about 40 families and leads to a CO2 reduction of 51 tonnes per year - comparable to a 5-hectare forest or about 2,530 trees!

Circular construction with Willy Naessens Industrials Buildings

Remarkably, one of the four former buildings on the site was erected by Willy Naessens Industrials Buildings more than 35 years ago. Now that same building has been demolished to make way for the new development. ‘In about 30% of our new construction projects, an existing building is demolished and rebuilt to current standards,’ says Willy Naessens.The demolition was carried out with respect for circular building principles. Materials such as concrete and bricks were broken on site and reused as foundation material for the new building and car park.

• Total developed area: 5,300 m²
• Client: Quest for Property
• Architect: Architectenbureau Jo Janssens