Reopening MAKRO Eke - Savaan District
LCV Real Estate and the local authorities of Nazareth-De Pinte chart a course towards a sustainable future for the former Makro site in Eke.
Nazareth-De Pinte, May 22, 2026 – LCV Real Estate aims to redevelop the former Makro site in Eke into a future-proof, sustainable, and economically strong location where entrepreneurship, innovation, and quality spatial development converge. To this end, an agreement of intent has been concluded with the local government of Nazareth-De Pinte, outlining the framework for the further development of the site in common consultation with all stakeholders.
The former Makro site, strategically located along the E17, is one of the most prominent locations in the region, with its surface area of over 12 hectares. Since Makro's bankruptcy, the future of the site remained uncertain. With this agreement of intent, both parties aim to prevent the site from remaining vacant long-term and, at the same time, work towards sustainable redevelopment with respect for the environment.
Focus on businesses, innovation, and sustainability
LCV Real Estate's ambition, as a representative of WREB – the landowner, is to transform the site from a predominantly retail-oriented location into a modern economic hub with space for SMEs, artisanal businesses, innovative activities, and ancillary functions such as retail and leisure. A strong emphasis is placed on: • sustainable and efficient land use; • quality architecture and greening; • innovative energy solutions; • mobility and traffic safety; • a vibrant site with a mix of complementary functions. The project aims to demonstrate that modern business environments can also provide architectural and ecological added value to their surroundings.
Collaboration with strong partners
For the redevelopment of the site, LCV Real Estate works closely with various experienced partners. In addition to partner Colruyt Group Real Estate, collaboration also extends to Areos, led by Joost Van Riet. This collaboration brings together expertise in sustainable area development, real estate development, and spatial quality. The initiators share the ambition to transform the former Makro site into a future-oriented economic hotspot that not only creates economic value but also provides qualitative added value for the environment and the residents of Nazareth-De Pinte.
More green space and de-paving
Today, the site largely consists of paved surfaces. In the future, LCV Real Estate intends to significantly focus on greening, water infiltration, and de-paving. Studies are being conducted on how green zones, wadis, and water-permeable paving can be integrated to better capture rainwater and improve water management in the surrounding area. Special attention is also paid to the landscape integration of the project and to buffers towards the surrounding residential areas.
"We strongly believe in an open dialogue and a broadly supported development of this site. It is important that entrepreneurs, local residents, and authorities can collectively contribute to the future of this strategic location."
Mobility as a key pillar
The redevelopment will be accompanied by extensive mobility studies and consultation with all involved authorities. The guiding principle remains that through heavy traffic is kept out of residential streets and that access is maximally via main roads and existing infrastructure. Additionally, research is being conducted on how parking and traffic flows can be organized as efficiently as possible within the site itself.
A site with a rich economic history
The Makro site in Eke has a long history as an economic driver in the region. The establishment opened in 1972 on a plot of 12.9 hectares with a retail area of 40,881 m². For decades, the site grew into an important commercial attraction. The store employed approximately 325 staff members. Makro catered to both private customers and professional users, with a mix of B2C customers and B2B customers from sectors such as hospitality and DIY. Additional commercial functions were also part of the site. For example, MediaMarkt was located on the upper floor of the Makro building, and a McDonald's restaurant and the petrol station were also situated in the car park. McDonald's remains active on the site today, and the former petrol station is now operated by the Dutch company Tinq. At the end of 2022, the store permanently closed its doors, thereby concluding an important chapter in the local economic history.
Temporary use prevents vacancy
Pending definitive redevelopment, temporary use of the existing buildings within the current permits is also being explored. With this, the initiators aim to avoid long-term vacancy, dilapidation, and their negative consequences.
Further elaboration in consultation
In the coming months, further studies, consultation moments, and participation opportunities will be organized with local residents, advisory bodies, and other stakeholders. Both the local government and LCV Real Estate emphasize that the further development of the project will proceed carefully and transparently. The agreement of intent forms a first step in exploring a sustainable future for this strategically located site in Eke.
