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Architects chosen for new art and culture centre in Molenbeek

A mock-up of how the new cultural site on Rue de Manchester in Molenbeek will look like (© BC Architects/Brussels Capital Region)
06:40 09/09/2021

The firm BC Architects has been chosen by the Brussels government to lead the project to redevelop the former industrial buildings along Rue de Manchester in Molenbeek into an artistic and creative hub.

The project, which is expected to be completed by 2025, was presented on Wednesday by the Brussels Minister-President, Rudi Vervoort, the Mayor of Molenbeek Catherine Moureaux and the Director of the Society for Urban Development Gilles Delforge.

The old factory buildings located near the Brussels canal belong to the ‎land management department of the Brussels-Capital Region‎ which allows temporary occupation of the site pending the finalisation of its conversion. The collaborative art space Decoratelier and Recyclart, the multi-disciplinary cultural centre, are already based there.

Eventually, the complex will host a range of cultural, artistic and creative facilities as well as administrative offices, multipurpose rooms, and potentially artists' residences.

"We are strengthening the foundation that already exists in this creative and artistic pool,” said Wesley Degreef of BC Architects. “In addition, we also reinforce the individuality of the various buildings that are already there, while emphasising the available public space. We have opted for a flexible interior with additions of stairwells and elevators."

The budget for the project amounts to nearly 14 million euros and is financed by the Region under the Heyvaert - Poincaré Urban Renewal Contract (CRU 5) and by Beliris, the governmental department responsible for construction, renovation and restoration projects.

A planning permit is expected to be filed by March 2022 with work scheduled to begin in September 2023.

 

Written by Nick Amies