Cora’s former hypermarkets in Brussels and Wallonia are currently undergoing a major transformation. What were once classic retail destinations are evolving into multifunctional complexes where retail, hospitality, services and experience come together. With an investment budget of more than 80 million euros, the focus is on sustainable and future-oriented redevelopment of these strategic locations. Group Jansen plays a key role in this and is currently active on four sites: Cora Messancy, Cora Anderlecht, Cora Woluwe and Cora Hornu (phase 2).
From aging retail to dynamic mixed-use sites
With the acquisition of the seven Cora hypermarkets and their shopping galleries, Mitiska REIM took ownership of the sites and launched one of the most ambitious transformation projects in Belgian retail in recent years. The goal: to turn these historic sites into modern, sustainable and clearly “proximity” oriented shopping destinations.
The new plans therefore place strong emphasis on diversity: in addition to stores, space is provided for hospitality, leisure, services and, in some cases, offices or other functions. The sites are thus reintegrated into their urban context and should grow into real meeting places.
Moreover, the transformation is being phased so that existing activities can continue to function in part while the renewal continues. This requires thoughtful planning and thorough coordination on site.
Renovation as leverage for repositioning
“Instead of completely dismantling, maximum effort is being made to reconvert existing structures. This is not only more sustainable, but also allows us to move faster and control costs more efficiently,” said Sarai Bervoets, CCO at Group Jansen.
The buildings will be thoroughly gutted and refurbished to contemporary standards. The focus is on:
- flexibility in classification
- energy efficiency and techniques
- a contemporary look
- a strong experience for visitors
This type of project requires an integrated approach where different disciplines work together seamlessly.
From structural work to high-quality finishing
The multidisciplinary expertise of Group Jansen is being called upon to carry out these complex renovations. As in previous projects, the construction group is taking on the entire process: from coordination and techniques to interior finishing.
Thanks to the combination of in-house product development and execution, Group Jansen can switch quickly and coordinate solutions perfectly. This integrated approach results in fewer failure costs and more efficient execution.
“There is also a strong commitment to modular and circular building solutions, such as flexible partition walls and prefabricated elements. These make it possible to easily adapt spaces according to future needs. This is essential in projects where functions evolve and flexibility plays a key role,” Sarai concludes.
Some key figures
- 7 sites involved: Anderlecht, Woluwe, Rocourt, Hornu, La Louvière, Châtelineau, Messancy
- 160,000 m² redeveloped within the transformation (of a total 228,000 m² gross area)
- 95,500 sq. ft. of commercial hypermarket space to be redeveloped
- 80% pre-rental insured
- Oct. 1, 2025: start of first operations
- 1,400 estimated jobs after transformation (about 200 per site)
- DreamLand present at all 7 sites
- Delhaize: 2,500 m² of new food space
Sylvie Geuten-Carpentier, Managing Partner at Mitiska REIM, adds: “Our goal with this transformation plan is to attract a range of new retailers that complement the stores already present in the galleries today. In this way, we want to create a tenant mix that gives visitors easy access to their daily needs, in a modern and attractive retail environment. With agreements for already more than 40% of the redeveloped space, we are clearly building strong momentum. More new tenants will be announced in the coming weeks.”
