Revive and Hexagon partner again to redevelop Henschel site in Wilrijk

Following the Twee Kranen project in Zwijndrecht, Revive and Hexagon are joining forces once again on the southern edge of Antwerp. Through a joint venture, the Ghent-based and Roeselare-based developers have acquired the Henschel site on Boomsesteenweg in Wilrijk. On the approximately 5-hectare site, the partners aim to develop a future-oriented business park, providing space for companies that want to remain close to the city. Revive brings its experience in large-scale area development, while Hexagon contributes its focus on commercial property as a long-term destination.

A site with history

The site at Boomsesteenweg 604–606 occupies a strategic location in Wilrijk, with easy access to the A12 and Antwerp Ring Road. For many years, NV Henschel Engineering was based here. Founded in 1960, the company manufactured vehicle bodies, tipper bodies and crane arms on the site for decades. In 2009, production was moved entirely to Poland. Since industrial activities ceased, the site has mainly been let to a variety of smaller users. Until now, there has been no coherent vision for its future, despite continued strong demand for business space in and around Antwerp and the scarcity of available land.

A proven partnership

Revive and Hexagon know each other well. In 2024, they jointly established the Twee Kranen project company for the redevelopment of the Van Laere site in Zwijndrecht. In Wilrijk, they are continuing this partnership, building on the same complementary approach.

“As a developer, we want to create not only financial value, but also value for people and the wider environment,” says David Poulissen, Chief Investment Officer at Revive. “A site like Henschel, located in the heart of the urban fringe, offers every opportunity to do so. Here, we are building on the trust we have developed together in Zwijndrecht.”

Space for business

Over the coming months, the partners will develop a vision for the future of the site in consultation with the City of Antwerp and the Wilrijk district. The starting point is the efficient and high-quality use of space, with room for SMEs and companies that want to keep their operations within the urban area.

“Well-located business land within the urban fringe is particularly scarce today,” says Jelle Vandendriessche, Director of Hexagon. “By reactivating existing sites rather than developing open space, we can once again create room for entrepreneurs who want to grow in and around Antwerp.”