Cora shopping centers are nearly 100% leased

The transformation of the former Cora hypermarkets in Belgium is nearly complete, according to real estate developer Mitiska REIM. Nearly 100% of the new retail space has been leased, with modernization work still to be completed in a final phase.

A few more store openings are planned

Just over a year ago, Mitiska REIM acquired the seven Belgian Cora hypermarkets and Shopping Cora malls, which together account for a total gross leasable area (GLA) of approximately 232,000 m². Since then, the spaces have been redeveloped and redesigned to accommodate a new generation of retailers, including Delhaize, JYSK, Kiabi, Aldi, MediaMarkt, Action, Dreambaby, DreamLand, Wibra, Hema, Kruidvat, Extra Shop, Pronti, and TEDi. Q8 gas stations have also opened at each location.

In November, the European off-price chain HalfPrice will open five stores in Anderlecht, Rocourt, Hornu, Chatelineau, and Messancy, and a sixth store is planned for next fall in La Louvière. Lidl and JYSK will also open new stores in La Louvière next fall. This means that nearly 100% of the leasable space has been filled.

“Proven potential”

“Our goal has been to realize the full potential of these Cora assets by transforming them into modern, successful and sustainable grocery-anchored retail centers catering for the entire family,” says Bram Thomas, director of Mitiska REIM for Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. “Our success in securing so many leading brands is testament to the value-add potential we saw in these sites and the ongoing resilience of the necessity retail sector.”

The transformation project will continue through 2027, with a third and final phase focused on modernizing the centers, including the renovation of the shopping arcades, entrances, facades, and the surrounding area—including the parking lots—beginning in the spring of 2027.