The Mechelen city council aims to transform the central area around the Sint-Rumbold’s Tower into the cultural heart of the city.
While the Cultural Centre was already set for renovation, the city now plans to develop a broader master plan to integrate cultural infrastructure from Begijnenstraat to Minderbroedersgang.
The renovation of the socio-cultural centre mARTa and the renewal of the Cultural Centre were already scheduled for 2025. The Cultural Centre will feature a reception and exhibition space, a multi-purpose hall, and two dance studios for Conservatory students. Moreover, the city council is expanding this project into a more comprehensive plan for the surrounding neighbourhood.
“We are also considering whether Theatrium can be included in this master plan,” said Kristof Calvo, Alderman of Culture (Groen). “We are working on increasing capacity for part-time art education and the Conservatory. This area should become the place where culture in its broadest sense is brought together. Our ambition is to create open, strong cultural venues where every visitor and artist can find their place.”
The needs of art centre nona and theatre arsenaal will also be addressed in the “cultural heart.” Nona received a second hall in Begijnenstraat in 2019 and now seeks to upgrade its old hall and back office. Theatre arsenaal, on the other hand, is exploring new housing possibilities with the city within this defined area due to its current limited capacity and outdated infrastructure.
The master plan will be refined over the coming months through participation and consultation, with a complete vision to be presented by the summer.
