On 11 December 2007 Multi Vastgoed signed a deal with the Bilthoven-based Green Real Estate for the sale of Bilgaard shopping centre in Leeuwarden, with the exception of the shops owned by a number of businesses.
This year developer Multi Vastgoed was asked by the 27 businesses (owners), Corporatie Holding Friesland, Nieuw Wonen Friesland and Leeuwarden county council to take care of the redevelopment of Bilgaard shopping centre.
After the fire of 24 August 2006 the first pile was driven in for the reconstruction of the northern part of the shopping centre in August 2007. This redevelopment is combined with an expansion of the shopping centre from approx. 6,500mē to approx. 10,000mē. Bilgaard will get a totally new look, the entrances will be made more accessible and a square of around 1,000 mē will be added. This will give it a true city district function.
Thanks to the speedy planning and smooth progress in the construction work carried out by the building contractor Heijmans Bouw, the first properties will already be handed over to Green Real Estate by January 2008.
A great deal of interest has been shown in renting retail space in the shopping centre.
The reconstruction and expansion of Bilgaard shopping centre together with the building of 90 multi-level houses on the roof of the shopping centre form part of the masterplan of the architects Arons and Gelauff from Amsterdam. T+T Design from Gouda is responsible for the coordination of the shop concept. Leeuwarden county council is in charge of the redevelopment of the public area. The entire project, including the public space, will be completed in 2010 and involves an investment of approx. 40 million euros.