LOODS 20 is a 19th century protected harbour shed in Ghent's Voorhaven. Together with the adjacent, already repurposed sheds 22 and 23 and 12 other monuments, the Voorhaven forms Ghent's largest protected cityscape.
The Voorhaven is the best-preserved 19th-century harbour in Europe.
LOODS 20 is being restored and repurposed - with respect for the past and an eye to the future.
This gem from 1892 was built using the most innovative techniques of the time. Thoughtful efficiency and technical ingenuity were key. LOODS 20 was built mainly with steel, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, which are from the same period.
The Voorhaven experienced its heyday during the industrial revolution, a time of invention and technological progress. Ghent was one of the first industrialised cities in Europe and grew into a major industrial centre. The Voorhaven played a key role in this: cotton was brought in by ship, stored in the sheds and distributed by train to the many weaving mills in the region.
Today, the listed shed is getting a new life. Here you live or work in a piece of history, equipped with innovative techniques such as geothermal energy and an “energy as a service” model. Ready for a bright future.
LOODS 20 is located a stone's throw from Ghent city centre, along the Ghent-Terneuzen canal. By tram, bus or bike, you can be in the heart of Ghent in 15 minutes.
With the opening (July 2025) of the Verapaz bridge over the commercial dock, an important part of the minor city ring R40 will move to the other side of the dock. This intervention will provide a smooth and safe connection between the Muide and the city centre for pedestrians and cyclists.
A new tram line directly to Dampoort station is also planned.
Thanks to the new road works, the Voorhaven will also be easily accessible by car. The super roundabout quickly connects you to the R4 towards Ghent seaport, the Netherlands, Antwerp and Kortrijk (E17) and Brussels (E40). The double bridges that replace the old Meulestede Bridge and the new ramp complex under construction in Wondelgem, provide a much smoother connection with the R4 towards Ostend (E40) and Kortrijk (E17) as well as the western part of the port (Kluizendokken) and the Coast-Antwerp expressway.