Flemish government outbid in Van Hool land sale
The former Van Hool industrial site in Koningshooikt, near Lier, has been sold for €21.5 million, with the buyer still unknown.
The Flemish Government had offered the starting price of €20 million to stop the land falling into the hands of property speculators. Ministers wanted to keep the 30-hectare site available for industrial development and manufacturing projects.
However, several bidders entered the auction at the last minute, pushing the final price above the government’s offer. In total, seven bids were submitted.
According to Lier’s mayor, several companies have already shown interest in the site, including three businesses already operating in Belgium and one foreign company considering its first investment in the country.
The sale is not yet final, as Van Hool’s creditors have until 24 June to reject the bid if they believe the price is too low.
Van Hool went bankrupt in 2024, leading to the immediate loss of 2,404 jobs. The land is being sold to help repay debts linked to the company’s property arm, Immoroc.
Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele said the strong market interest was an encouraging sign that Flanders remains an attractive place for investment and promised talks with the new owner and local authorities to ensure the site is quickly redeveloped for industry.
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