I4B the Main Equity Investor of landmark R4WO PPP Project in Belgium
The Belgian Infrastructure Fund is proud to announce its participation in the successful closing of the R4WO project, a public-private partnership (PPP) initiated by the Flemish region to upgrade the R4 West and East ring road. I4B is the lead equity investor in the R4WO project which, with funding of over 1 Billion EUR, is one of the largest PPPs ever closed in Belgium.
I4B, main equity investor of this landmark project for Belgium
In cooperation with De Werkvennootschap, the agency of the Flemish region in charge of major infrastructure projects, BRAVO4, the newly created project company, has embarked on the ambitious task of revitalising Ghent’s ring road, a vital artery linking Ghent and its port. This includes designing, renovating, financing, and ensuring the long-term maintenance of existing sections of the ring.
This project aims at improving access to one of the country’s largest ports, a cornerstone of the regional economic activity. It also aims at enhancing local traffic safety, promoting green mobility and improving the environment of the surrounding residential areas.
BRAVO4 will execute the project under a PPP framework backed by 30 years of availability payments guaranteed by the Flemish region.
Strong environmental standards
The environmental and community benefits of the R4WO project are significant: by alleviating road congestion and curbing CO2 emissions, the project promises tangible improvements in urban mobility and air quality. A hallmark of the initiative is the construction of over 22 kilometers of interconnected cycle highways, promoting eco-friendly commuting.
Studies show a remarkable safety improvement for all vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) upon project completion. Noise reduction strategies, including noise barriers and the utilisation of “whisper asphalt”, demonstrate an exemplary approach to enhance local community well-being.
The project also carefully considers its impact on local ecosystems, waste management or water usage to minimise environmental disruption. Biodiversity preservation is considered through the creation of eco-ducts, facilitating safe passage for local wildlife across the road, and through the replanting of trees over large areas.
Development of Belgian infrastructure through partnership
R4WO project is a perfect illustration of I4B’s stance to partner with Belgian corporates in the development of infrastructure projects. Since inception, I4B has developed strong partnerships with large industrial companies as well as small and medium-size companies, thus contributing to local economic development, value and job creation.
Through its partnerships, I4B supports large-scale projects like the R4WO, as well as numerous smaller and more decentralised initiatives.
I4B has already invested in other infrastructure sectors (energy transition, digital transition, and healthcare). As such, I4B confirms its commitment to finance crucial projects that drive economic development and improve the quality of life for local communities.
Since its launch in 2019, I4B continues to demonstrate its dedication to stimulate the Belgian economy through development of new infrastructure with social value and high environmental standards, as per its original mandate defined together with its founding investors – Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPI-FPIM), AG Insurance and Synatom.
Members of the I4B Team (André Autrand – CEO, Samuel de Lhoneux – CIO, Nadia de Coninck – CFO and Vincent Vingerhoedt – Investment Director and Chairman of the Board of the BRAVO4 project company) said: “We are proud to announce our involvement in this ambitious project reaffirming I4B’s central role in Belgian infrastructure development. R4WO mobilises 1 Billion EUR to improve the quality of existing road sections. The project fosters economic growth while improving safety, enhancing local connectivity and well-being as well as promoting green mobility over the long run.
This flagship project is in line with I4B’s mission to finance new infrastructure that not only stimulates local economic development but also meets rigorous environmental standards.”
