Asse Still

Discover the neighbourhood

Demolition and remediation

Open space in Flanders is becoming increasingly scarce. Instead of developing the last remaining green fields, abandoned and underused sites are being transformed into new residential neighbourhoods. These types of sites — like the former factory grounds on Jan Tieboutstraat — are known as brownfields.

Brownfields cannot be inhabited without first remediating the contaminated soil. Since the last owners of the factory buildings went bankrupt and were unable to finance the remediation, Matexi has taken on this societal responsibility. We are addressing the site in a structural way: demolishing buildings and ensuring clean, safe ground.

In collaboration with OVAM

The remediation of soil and groundwater is carried out by OVAM, the Public Waste Agency of Flanders. OVAM finances and oversees the works, appointing specialised firms that meet strict quality standards. Matexi contributes to a practical execution plan aimed at keeping disruption to the surrounding neighbourhood to a minimum.

Still: a blueprint for sustainable neighbourhoods

Asse – Still is set to become a model project for similar sites in the future. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of our plans. We are actively exploring how to future-proof the site. Currently, we are studying:

how to heat the neighbourhood using renewable energy sources;
how to maximise the reuse of rainwater;
how to enhance nature around the buildings;
how to minimise motorised traffic;
and how to give priority to cyclists and pedestrians on site.

To develop a strong and sustainable mobility vision, we are working with Mint, a renowned traffic and mobility consultancy.

Latest updates

31/01/2025 Permit procedure ongoing

The subdivision application (verkavelingsaanvraag) was approved by the municipality of Asse on 17 July 2023. This decision was later appealed to the provincial executive of Flemish Brabant, which ultimately issued a positive ruling on 4 July 2024. However, this ruling was again contested, and the case is currently under review by the Council for Permit Disputes (Raad voor Vergunningsbetwistingen).

This step marks an important turning point in the process. We are currently awaiting the outcome of the ongoing appeal procedure before starting the development of the new residential neighbourhood, including the installation of infrastructure and the launch of the sales process.

01/07/2024 Remediation completed

The soil remediation on the site was successfully completed in January 2024 — a key milestone that makes the land ready for construction and contributes to a safe and healthy living environment for both current residents and future inhabitants.

Although all preparatory steps have now been completed — from remediation to permitting — the project is currently on hold pending a legal decision. We are ready to move forward with shaping Asse Still as soon as the legal proceedings are concluded.

29/12/2022 Application for subdivision permit

On 29 December 2022, we submitted an application for a new subdivision permit. This phase includes a mix of family houses and apartments, tailored to the housing needs in Asse. We are not only focused on providing high-quality housing, but also on meeting the practical needs of the surrounding neighbourhood. For example, we are planning sufficient parking spaces, including for visitors, to reduce pressure on the local area.

10/07/2023 Soil remediation

Soil remediation works began in the summer of 2023.

Due to past industrial activities, certain pollutants had entered the soil. While this contamination did not pose an immediate health risk, we chose to clean the soil before starting construction — as required by law.

Thanks to this intervention, the site is now significantly cleaner and healthier — an important step toward a safe and sustainable development of the new neighbourhood.

The remediation works were completed in the summer of 2024.

02/12/2022 Demolition of the Stillemans factory site completed

The former factory buildings on the Stillemans site were demolished in 2022.

A total of 20,000 m² of industrial structures was demolished and de-paved — the equivalent of 400 containers of material.

We also recovered 120 pallets of bricks for reuse.

25/05/2021 Demolition of the first buildings

In May 2021, the contractor demolished the first five buildings along Brusselsesteenweg.

Utility connections were disconnected and removed, and all buildings were sealed off. The next step involves the demolition of the remaining structures.

The timing for the construction of the new buildings depends on the outcome of the ongoing procedure before the Council for Permit Disputes. We are ready to move forward as soon as a final decision is reached.

06/05/2019 Signing of the brownfield covenant

In May 2019, the Flemish Region, OVAM, the municipality, and the various landowners signed a brownfield covenant.

This agreement paves the way for the redevelopment of neglected, contaminated and/or underused sites, ensuring they are revitalised and redeveloped in a high-quality manner. It forms the foundation for the remediation of the site.

26/03/2018 Approval of the spatial implementation plan

On 26 March 2018, the municipal council of Asse approved the ‘Kerremans 2020’ spatial implementation plan.

A spatial implementation plan (RUP) defines the designated land use within a specific area. In this case, the former industrial zone was reclassified to make way for residential development and facilities such as shops, hospitality, offices, and services.

02/01/2017 Spatial implementation plan

Alongside the soil investigation, the municipality drafted a local spatial implementation plan (RUP). Such a plan changes the designated use of a specific area. As there are no longer any industrial activities on the site, its designation is being changed from an industrial zone to a residential neighbourhood.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When and how will this neighbourhood go on sale?

We understand that many people are eagerly awaiting the launch of sales in the new Asse Still neighbourhood. However, we must wait for the outcome of the ongoing appeal procedure before we can provide concrete timing for the start of sales.

What are the next steps in the Asse Still project?

The preparatory steps — including remediation, demolition, and the permit application — have now been completed. At this stage, we are awaiting a decision from the Council for Permit Disputes. Once this decision is made, we can begin the further development of the new residential neighbourhood. This will include the construction of roads, parks and squares, housing, and the launch of sales.

How will construction traffic be organised in the future?

During previous works, construction traffic was primarily routed via Brusselsesteenweg to minimise disruption to the surrounding neighbourhoods. For future works, we will continue to prioritise a safe and well-considered approach to site traffic, with a strong focus on preserving the liveability of the area.

We will do our best to limit any inconvenience during the construction phase. Measures may include clear signage, restricting site traffic to specific hours, and timely communication with local residents. Once construction officially begins, we will inform all stakeholders with concrete details.

Have the demolition works at Asse Still been completed?

Yes, the demolition works on the Asse Still site have now been fully completed. They began in 2021 and were carried out in phases to minimise disruption to the neighbourhood. Today, all former buildings have been removed, and the site is ready for the next step in the development of the new residential neighbourhood.