Ghent Unveils Plans for 1,100 New Homes, Including 40% Affordable Housing

Ghent (Eurotoday) – Ghent is set to develop 1,100 homes near Afrikalaan, with 40% of the units designated as affordable housing—25% allocated for social rental and 15% for budget rental. Alderman Joris Vandenbroucke is spearheading this pioneering initiative. The plan will also feature four new parks, student accommodations, and a focus on eco-friendly mobility.

The city of Ghent is transforming the area around Afrikalaan through an ambitious urban development project. The initiative will deliver approximately 1,100 new homes, of which nearly half are aimed at providing affordable housing options. This includes 25% for social rentals and 15% for budget rentals. The housing policy applies to all developers in the area, including both private and public entities.

Alderman Joris Vandenbroucke noted that this marks the first time Ghent has established such a binding affordability requirement in a redevelopment project. “This is a significant leap toward making housing accessible for everyone, not just for the affluent,” he explained, emphasizing the city’s desire to prioritize affordability from the planning stages onward.

Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Neighborhood

With this project, Ghent is turning a pilot initiative into permanent housing policy by incorporating budget rental units into its long-term urban development plans. Budget rentals are specially intended for residents whose incomes exceed the threshold for social housing but who still struggle to afford market-rate rents.

These budget-friendly homes will be managed by non-profit organizations or city-run entities, ensuring reduced rental prices. The inclusion of both social and budget rentals in one neighborhood aims to foster socioeconomic diversity by enabling people of different financial backgrounds to live alongside one another.

Authorities emphasized the district’s strategic location, being close to both the port and city center, with excellent transport links that support eco-mobility. The initiative underscores Ghent’s commitment to socially responsible urban development by integrating accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity into the heart of city planning.

“Budget rent is for people who earn too much for social housing, but have a hard time on the regular rental market. The rent contribution for budget rent is lower than the market price,” said Alderman Joris Vandenbroucke.

The new urban district, located near the Ghent Dampoort station, spans a 35-hectare area. It includes the future Verapaz Bridge and a nearby university campus, and plans call for a mixed-use environment with residential buildings, offices, and retail spaces. The redevelopment will also preserve the site’s industrial heritage by incorporating the historic Christens factory into the new design.

Student housing will be a vital part of the plan, with 10% to 20% of housing units set aside for students. Four unique green parks are also part of the blueprint: a waterfront park, a central events park, a recreational park with facilities for children and sports, and a nature-focused park.

Before construction begins, the area will undergo environmental remediation to address pollution from its industrial past. The city is highlighting sustainable accessibility, promoting walking, cycling, and public transit—especially through connections such as the nearby Verapaz Bridge.