Renovation of Ancienne Belgique music venue to start this summer

The Brussels-Capital Region has given the green light for the Ancienne Belgique – better known as AB - to undergo renovation this summer, reports RTBF.

The announcement about the popular Brussels music hall was made by secretary of state for urbanism Pascal Smet. Financed and supervised by the Flemish Community, the project has a budget of more than €5 million.

Located between Boulevard Anspach and Rue des Pierre, the AB hasn't been fully integrated with the rest of the neighbourhood since it was built in 1979. The renovation project will increase space and improve facilities and accessibility.

Expansion of the existing building will provide space for more intimate concerts, as well as musical and social events, exhibitions, workshops and community meetings.

A new cafe-restaurant is tipped to become a popular downtown haunt. The large landscaped rooftop terrace will afford a stunning incredible panoramic view of the city centre. AB says the restaurant will be environmentally avant-garde.

The refurbishment includes improvements to the accessibility of the main hall; a vertical platform lift will provide access to all floors without the requirement of additional assistance. Accessible toilets are also planned.

Finally, a stairwell connecting to each floor, is to be sited on the outside of the building. Accoustically insulated, the staircase will serve as an effective sound wall for neighbouring properties.

Photo: © Belga/Noe Zimmer