Albert Heijn replaces Jumbo next to Schoten’s planned Hubo

Albert Heijn is planning to open a new store in Schoten (near Antwerp), in a building project where a Jumbo was formerly planned. Next to the canal-side location, a Hubo DIY store and a neighbourhood with 245 homes are also planned.

New building

Entrepreneur Marco Van Ende, who opened the first Belgian Albert Heijn in 2011 in neighbouring Brasschaat, is taking ownership of the project. His family already operates several AH stores in the region, such as Kalmthout and Stabroek. Hubo is already present across the canal in Schoten, but would find the current location more spacious. Adjacent is a 2.5-hectare site, where property developer Motown wants to build 245 homes. However, those plans are on hold after strong opposition from the neighbourhood.