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Everything you want to know about the redevelopment of the former Audi site in Vorst into a new, open economic ecosystem for Brussels.
What is Ringspark 21?
Ringspark 21 is the redevelopment of the former Audi site in Vorst into a new, open business ecosystem. Where a closed factory wall stood for decades, a site will emerge that is once again woven into the city: space for businesses, jobs and local initiatives, developed together with the neighbourhood and the Brussels government.
Who is behind this project?
Ringspark 21 is a project of Heylen Group, a Belgian family business with years of experience in industrial and logistics real estate. We have previously redeveloped a site of comparable scale and complexity into a new business campus, and we are now bringing that experience to Brusse
What is the ambition of the project?
Our main objective is clear: to recreate on the site the more than 3,000 jobs that were lost when Audi closed. Not only for factory workers, but for a diverse range of people: technicians, local craftspeople and entrepreneurs who want to grow in their own city.
What role does the Brussels government play?
The project is part of the BEAZ strategy (Brussels Economic Acceleration Zones) of the Brussels government, approved on 5 June 2026. That framework provides fiscal incentives such as a 5% reduction in employer taxes and support through the IBAZ zone, for every company that invests in this zone. From the outset we have had a good, constructive collaboration with the Brussels cabinet and the municipality of Vorst, and we will continue to build on that partnership in the coming years.
How many jobs does Ringspark 21 want to create, and how feasible is that?
The ambition is more than 3,000 jobs, as many as were lost when Audi closed. We believe in a mix of large and small players, local and international companies: a hybrid ecosystem is more resilient than relying on a single player or sector.
What kind of businesses will come to the site?
We are open for business to a wide range of profiles: from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger players, always with attention to the quality and value they add to the masterplan. The concrete content will follow market demand and grow along with the needs of the site and the neighbourhood.
I'm an entrepreneur or business interested in the site — how do I get in touch?
Does this project appeal to you? Feel free to get in touch with us. The more companies that come forward, the better we can put together the puzzle of this new ecosystem.
What exactly will be built on the site?
The masterplan is being developed together with experts and partners. We are aiming for a balanced mix of functions, more open space, good integration with the neighbourhood and a circular approach. We do not rule out cultural or community-oriented facilities, but the primary focus is on economic activity and job creation.
Will there also be housing on the site?
At this time we do not foresee housing as a core function. The focus is on economic activity, job creation and social functions.
What does the project's 'social lever' mean in concrete terms?
Among other things, we plan a training centre on the site, accessible to the local community: space for training, for local craftspeople, and for people who gain access to the labour market through the site. Not only large international players will have a place here, but also the local economy.
How is the soil remediation being handled?
After almost 100 years of car manufacturing, there is soil contamination on the site. We take full responsibility for this: the agreements on the remediation have been properly arranged and anchored in the transaction with Audi.
How sustainable can such a redevelopment be on a historically industrial site?
Circular thinking is our starting point: using resources sparingly, reusing materials and structures wherever possible, and giving existing buildings a new life. For us, sustainability is not a marketing term, but the only logical approach on this site.
Will the neighbourhood be involved in the project?
Absolutely. We want to make this project happen together with the neighbourhood and would like to involve the surrounding area at an early stage, not afterwards. A neighbourhood information session will be organised; we will share the exact timing later.
Won't this project create extra pressure or nuisance in the neighbourhood?
We are working on a masterplan that takes mobility, density and liveability into account. The transition from a closed factory site to an open, diverse ecosystem should make the neighbourhood stronger and more liveable.
What are the next steps in the project?
The formal signing of the acquisition has taken place. In the meantime, we have already started further developing the masterplan and holding discussions with future partners.
When will work start on the site?
We cannot yet give a concrete start date, but our intention is clear: as soon as responsibly possible. Every day counts for the people who are eager to get to work here, because time costs jobs.
How many years will the full redevelopment take?
A project of this scale takes years — that is the reality of large-scale urban redevelopment. But we are starting now, and every step we take creates value and jobs for the city, step by step.
When will there be a neighbourhood information session?
We will communicate the exact timing as soon as it is confirmed. We want to involve the neighbourhood early in the plans for the site.