The construction of the Stock Exchange building in Brussels, more commonly known as the Bourse, is nothing new, but the latest addition to its roof has taken some passers-by by surprise.
Three years ago, it was announced that as part of the renovations of the Bourse building in the city centre of Brussels, the main attraction would be the beer experience centre Belgian Beer World on its upper floors, with a tasting room on the roof, where visitors can have a glass at the end of the trail.
After closing time, that space is expected to become a publicly accessible café with a view of the city.
The lower floors of the building, as well as the large hall, will consist of a public space with a central gallery with benches, a restaurant, and exhibition and meeting rooms. Another part will house the archaeological site Bruxella 1238, where the remains of the 13th-century monastery lie.
The renovation works for this project started in the summer of 2020. The recent development in this project was the installation of a waffle-shaped structure on top of the Bourse building.
While the original plans of the large metal canopy on the rooftop has been reduced in the plans over the years, it still appears large for those standing at the foot of the building. The latest addition has stirred mixed responses, and in some cases, anger.
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Think tank Atelier de Recherche et d'Action Urbaine (Aura) and city association Inter Environnement Bruxelles (IEB), which unsuccessfully challenged the construction at the Council of State, call the new modifications disrespectful of the Bourse's heritage value, Bruzz reported.
Work on the Bourse should be completed by 2023.
