Alderman Geypen wields a demolition hammer in old railway workshops at Keerdok site
08/12/2025
The first residents of Bruis will move into this green neighbourhood from 2028 onwards.
Demolition work on the old railway shops at the Keerdok site in Mechelen is in full swing. During a site visit this morning, Alderman for Urban Development Greet Geypen even took up the demolition hammer herself. ‘A new residential area will be built here around a beautiful courtyard garden measuring no less than 3,000 square metres. This is a significant new step in the redevelopment of this neighbourhood on the edge of the city centre,’ said Geypen. If all goes well, the actual construction of “Bruis” will start in the summer of 2026. The first residents are expected to move in two years later.
Until a few years ago, the Keerdok site was a colourless part of Mechelen, characterised by lots of concrete and a paved car park. This is now changing step by step. The Rode Kruisplein has undergone a major transformation and the City of Mechelen, together with Vlaamse Waterweg nv, is investing heavily in, among other things, the construction of a Dutch bascule bridge for cyclists and pedestrians, a long green seating and recreation area and the long-awaited permanent swimming area at the Keerdok. Close to this swimming area, demolition work has now begun on former roadside shops to make way for apartments and houses. In total, no less than 11,685 square metres of buildings will be demolished. And the work is progressing smoothly, as Alderman for Urban Development Greet Geypen herself noted this morning during a site visit.
Thanks to the relocation of the job centres to the Malinas shopping centre, a large area has been freed up where new, sustainable living and working spaces can be created. There is also room for catering establishments. The Bruis buildings mark the start of the final phase of developments on the Keerdok site. In parallel with the construction work, the developers active on the site are also contributing to the public space, such as the construction of the park and the renovated Rode Kruisplein. This is also the case at Bruis with the construction of a new cycling and walking boulevard. This will create a good connection between the different parts of the city. It will turn the Keerdok site into a fully-fledged district that is ready for the next generation of Mechelen residents.
View of lots of greenery and water
Bruis is being built right next to the water, between the soon-to-be-reconstructed ramparts and the brand-new promenade on the quay. The residential buildings will be situated around a lush 3,000 square metre courtyard garden. These will offer space for a total of 96 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses ranging from 60 to 309 square metres in size, two commercial spaces and 15 townhouses between 166 and 192 square metres with private gardens.
All flats and houses have spacious terraces and plenty of natural light. The large courtyard garden is a real eye-catcher. It is located on solid ground, allowing large mature trees to grow. Such large trees will also reduce visibility and give residents a real sense of tranquillity. Walking paths wind through the garden and there are small benches. Residents can meet each other in pleasant surroundings. We are creating a truly welcoming neighbourhood where young and old alike will enjoy living.
High demand even before the first stone is laid
ION and NEW are collaborating on this project with the renowned architectural teams at UAU Collectiv and BEEL, as well as landscape architect OKRA. If all goes according to plan, demolition work will be completed in February, archaeological research will commence, and construction will begin in the summer of 2026.
Sales figures also show that there is considerable demand in Mechelen for additional, high-quality and sustainable housing. Even before the first stone was laid, 65% had already been sold. ION and NEW expect to welcome the first residents in the summer of 2028.
