Due to mobility issues in Brussels city centre, Regus is focusing its expansion in the periphery
Mobility issues in Brussels are impacting company location choices, according to a report by real estate adviser CBRE. The fast-growing population and ageing infrastructure are both cited as key factors in the city's future prosperity. Road congestion and parking are the biggest problems facing drivers; during peak time as many as 30% of cars on the road are looking for parking spaces. This is now affecting the real estate market, with AON moving to the airport periphery and Regus also focusing its expansion on the periphery of the Brussels Capital Region. Other companies are also considering their location options, the CBRE report adds.

Mobility in Brussels impacts location choices Realestate MONDAY 20 JUNE 2016 Tim Harrup

In a report on the issue of mobility in Brussels, real estate advisor CBRE has been outlining the problems, and the impact they are beginning to have on company location choices.



Firstly, it points out that the Brussels Capital Region and periphery face big challenges in terms of mobility and access. A rapidly growing population and aging infrastructure present obstacles as well as opportunities for the prosperity of Belgiums capital.



Second to road congestion, parking was reported as the biggest issue facing drivers in a recent survey of large businesses. In Flanders and Wallonia there are 55 parking spots for every 100 employees, while there are just 29 spots for every 100 employees in Brussels. During peak hours, as many as 30% of cars on the road can be searching for parking spaces.



Quite apart from the frustrations of traffic and parking, these issues are having real effects on the real estate market. Consulting firm AON has recently moved from its decentralised location to the airport periphery, and business centre company Regus has refocused its expansion efforts in the periphery of the Brussels Capital Region, both citing mobility and parking issues. Two of the big five consulting/taxation companies  Deloitte and KPMG  it will be recalled, have also opted for large amounts of space at the airport itself. Other companies are weighing their location options carefully, comments CBRE.

