The unique planning permission, with a view to renovating the Brussels Stock Exchange (known locally as La Bourse) and to transform this iconic building into a cultural, commercial and tourist hub has been granted. The announcement came on Thursday from the Brussels Minister-President, Rudi Vervoort, and the Mayor of the City of Brussels, Philippe Close.
The City of Brussels, which owns the premises, has proposed the restoration of the facades, the roofs and the interior ornaments, gifted by Léon-Pierre Suys. In addition the adjoining archaeological site, Bruxella 1238, is to be renovated. The concept revolves around returning the entire complex to public use, whilst ensuring respect for the heritage of this remarkable building.
The City of Brussels has chosen to take this symbolic building in a new direction, by opening it up to the local population, through the creation of a prestigious gallery running through the building, enabling access to the exhibition spaces, as well as to the archaeological site Bruxella 1238.
The public will also be able to make the most of a restaurant and brasserie with a roof terrace, as well as a beer-focused experience: Belgian Beer World. The beer experience will occupy the former offices on the second and third floor. Robbrecht en Daem, Baneton Garrino and Popoff are the three architect firms instructed to work on the project.
The Mayor of the City of Brussels said, on Thursday, “The objective is for Brusselers to reinvest in this somewhat mythical location. The project to extend the use of the Brussels Stock Exchange aims to create a new gallery linking the Grand Place to the Dansaert district, through opening up the monumental centre of the Stock Exchange building to the general public.”
Rudi Vervoort says that this new initiative is one of several, which will significantly add value to the Brussels region. He commented, “Over and above the direct jobs created for the benefit of Brussels inhabitants, this new highly original use of the Brussels Stock Exchange building, with its exceptional heritage and tourist attraction, will make our entire capital flourish.”
The Brussels Times
