Ypres is tackling the vacancy of the retail properties

The vacancy rate of commercial properties in the center of Ypres has reached a peak. Eleven percent of the shops are empty: “At the moment we are struggling with 11% vacancy in our commercial properties, which is quite high. We have known times of 5. The average is around 8 to 9%. But now 11. it really is time to intervene,” said Diego Desmadryl (alderman of economy).

STRIKING DESIGNS

The city has already introduced a renovation premium and start-up subsidies. But shops remain empty for longer than before. That is why they now dress the display cases with striking designs. The students of the 6^e and 7^e years of the Sacred Heart Institute bring striking designs. But the city wants to go even further: “Soon we will be together with the real estate agencies about this. Perhaps this is a future vision where we transfer the showcases after a certain time to put them in the spotlight.”