The City of Brussels is launching an international tender for a massive mixed-use scheme that the backers say will set a new benchmark in urban redevelopment in Belgium.

The Neo Brussels development project will be developed in stages and involves an investment of EUR 900 mln. The project is designed to affirm the Belgian capital's credentials as a truly international city.

The scheme will include a shopping centre, leisure, convention centre and a residential component covering a total of 300,000 m2 within the 68-hectare Heyzel Plateau. The district is near the Atomium exhibition centre, the RoiBaudoin stadium, a multiplex cinema and a park.

Phase 1 - scheduled to start in 2014 - encompasses the convention centre and a 70,000m2 GLA shopping centre plus around 9, 000m² of restaurants and leisure facilities.

The promoters of the project, public company Exhibition and Congress (EXCS) and the local authority, say the existing metro and tramway lines already provide excellent access from the centre of Brussels and will be improved to provide first class public transport into the heart of Neo Brussels. EXCS is also exploring the option of including a Museum of Modern Art in the scheme.

Serving a primary catchment area of 2.5 million people the Neo Brussels project will create an estimated 300 jobs per year during the development phase. About 3,500 new jobs will be created within the Neo Brussels development on completion.

Freddy Thielemans, Mayor of the City of Brussels said: 'The site is unique. This is the only project that focuses on both the Brussels public and the residents of the northern zones of Brussels. The touristic appeal with the Atomium and the business tourism linked to the Palais des Expo both contribute to this splendid development potential. The quality of the access to the site by car and by public transport is unrivalled and boosts the allure of the site. The entire project has full and complete support of the Brussels public authorities. It is a fundamental project to Brussels and to its local and international development. No other site shows so many qualities today'.

The master plan was developed by Rotterdam-based architects firm KCAP, with UK engineering firm Arup advising on infrastructure and planning. Dutch financial specialist Fakton is providing financial and strategic advice.