A Landmark of Mixed-Use Urban Renewal
Leon is a showcase of sustainable urban redevelopment at the heart of Ghent’s historic shopping district. Owned by Qrf, this 5,500 m² landmark seamlessly combines prime retail with contemporary office space – delivering long-term value for tenants, investors, and the city itself, while enhancing the distinctive heritage of the mid-century building designed by Léon Stynen. Located on the Veldstraat, Ghent’s premier retail destination, Leon has been transformed into a best-in-class, energy-efficient complex that honours its historic setting while meeting the needs of modern users. The ground floor features a contemporary, spacious retail unit with an expanded frontage and full-height shop windows that maximise visibility and create an inviting, premium shopping experience. Above, the upper floors provide flexible, high-quality office spaces tailored for today’s businesses, offering adaptable layouts, abundant natural light, and an exceptional city-centre address The sensitive addition of two new upper floors was carefully integrated with the original heritage structure, resulting in a unified, elegant design that enriches the cityscape. Leon stands as a compelling example of how sustainable development, architectural heritage, and commercial success can come together to shape the future of dynamic, livable city centres. Leon is fully let, with the prominent retail unit leased to Nike, one of the world’s leading athletic brands. The upper floors house a mix of technology-focused scale-ups and professional service providers seeking high-quality, well-connected workplaces in the city centre—underscoring Leon’s appeal to innovative companies that prioritise urban accessibility and vibrant surroundings. Key features include: – Energy efficiency: Comprehensively renovated to meet sustainability standards, Leon has been transformed into a fossil-free building with dramatically reduced operational energy use and CO₂ emissions. High-performance insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and LED lighting work together to minimise environmental impact; – Mixed-use synergy: Combining retail and office functions strengthens Ghent’s city-centre economy. The design creates a seamless connection between public-facing retail and private workspaces above; – Urban integration: Respectful integration with Ghent’s heritage streetscape, maintaining architectural continuity while introducing modern functionality. Tenant experience: Flexible, comfortable, light-filled spaces designed for modern occupiers, with layouts adaptable to changing needs. Sustainability measures improve indoor climate and reduce costs over the building’s lifecycle. Leon is not only a high-performing property investment, but also a model for sustainable inner-city development. It demonstrates Qrf’s commitment to responsible real estate, blending commercial success with environmental stewardship and urban quality of life.
