The Belgian national railway company NMBS/SNCB is looking for a new operator for the former Plopsa space at Antwerp Central Station. Plopsa Station has been vacant since January of this year after operator Studio 100 shut it down due to a lack of visitors.

NMBS/SNCB is now launching a market consultation for the site, which spans nearly 6,000 square meters across several floors.

Unused Thalys terminal

The space at the rear of the station building—an unused Thalys terminal—was home for many years to Comic Station Antwerp, an indoor amusement park featuring well-known Belgian comic book characters, which opened its doors in 2017.

Following its acquisition by Studio 100, which invested 6 million euros in the site, the park was transformed into Plopsa Station Antwerp in 2021. It closed its doors at the end of 2023 after operator Plopsa terminated the concession due to disappointing results.

Open to anything

According to NMBS/SNCB, the market consultation follows an earlier exploratory phase in which ideas for a new use of the site were gathered. Interested candidates can now submit a detailed proposal, including a business plan, design plans, and a vision for the site’s operation.

NMBS/SNCB is not imposing any predetermined concept. Entrepreneurs and organizations are free to develop their own proposals that leverage the station’s location as a national and international transportation hub.

The railway company is seeking a concept that attracts visitors at various times of the day and considers the unique character of the location. Applications may be submitted until October 7. The concession may begin no earlier than January 1, 2027.

Antwerp Central Station averages around 38,000 departing passengers per weekday