Five of the 12 “palaces” of the Brussels Expo, in Heysel, have been described as “unacceptable for security”, according to an audit. They will need to be renovated at the expense of nearly €200 million, RTL Info reports.
Palais 5 (Palace 5), located directly in front of the Atomium, was opened in 1935 for the Brussels International Exposition, the building served as a feat of Belgian engineering and architectural grandeur symbolic of Art Deco era. Nearly 90 years later, the building is still loved but is increasingly falling into disrepair.
The Brussels Expo board of directors received the report of independent auditors about the condition of the buildings, especially the oldest structures, which concluded that Palace 5 and others needed urgent attention.
The report noted that “the palaces were in the process of natural dilapidation” and that there were “numerous moderate, high, and unacceptable risks to the safety of occupants.”
Sheet metal and concrete in the historic building is particularly degradated. Credit: Fred Romero/Wikimedia Commons
The problems were later confirmed to RTL Info by the technical manager of Brussels Expo, Lieven Vlaeminck. According to the technician, the concrete on the buildings is “very degraded”, windows are starting to come loose, and sheet metal is not always attached.
This is a dangerous condition for the building, which regularly hosts major pop-culture conventions, concerts, and other industry expos. Concrete has a lifespan of around 100 years. Before this point, renovation works must be carried out to avoid accidents.
As such, major renovation works are planned for the palace buildings. These works will take place in two stages. The most urgent renovations will take place first, in order to avoid the likelihood of any accident relating to visitors or workers.
The prospect of injury at Palace 5 is not so far-fetched. Just one week ago, a concrete block was found to have detached from the structure. Brussels Expo has urgently secured €1 million towards securing its oldest buildings.
Significant repairs are needed for the roof of the structure. Exhibitors have complained of frequent leaks during the rainy season. Credit: Fred Romero/Wikimedia Commons
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Workers will be tasked with assessing the dilapidation of the buildings, checking the condition of concrete, the condition of metal frames, and ensuring that no materials fall on guests, either inside or outside the structure, Xavier Fortin, prevention advisor at Brussels Expo explained.
Other renovation works will take place afterwards, with an estimated minimum budget of €120 million, according to Brussels Mayor Phillipe Close. Counting the current development of a convention centre on the site of Brussels Expo, the bill will rise to €200 million. €75 million has already been spent on renovations in the course of the last 10 years.
