Disused offices to house 300 Maximilian Park migrants

The Brussels region has set aside €500,000 to provide accommodation for up to 300 undocumented migrants sleeping rough in Maximilian Park near the city's North Station.

Authorities have found a 3,000m2 disused office building near the park that is reported to be in good condition, a spokesperson for Brussels minister-president Rudi Vervoort said. The funding announcement is subject to the approval of the region's parliament.

On Friday several not-for-profit associations caring for the Maximilian refugees said they planned to open a daytime drop-in centre for migrants next to the park, providing basic healthcare and legal advice - but not accommodation.

RTBF reports that the Brussels region plans to seek the €500,000 back from the Belgian federal government.