The renovated Hotel Métropole will feature a new pool, a green roof and renewed guest rooms, the new owners Lone Star Investment Fund announced on Friday.
Over more than 100 years, the iconic Brussels landmark in Place De Brouckère has hosted world leaders, royalty and celebrities, and has been the setting of 20 films, making it one of Brussels' most
The planned works will involve building a new reception, modernising and adding around 253 to 267 rooms, removing lounges and gardens, and installing green roofs to encourage rainwater management.
"The renovation will also focus on technical improvements to make the hotel more sustainable and energy-efficient... Sustainability will be an important aspect in the design and choice of materials, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and reusable materials," a statement seen by RTBF said.
It has been closed since 2020 after being bought by the Lone Star Investment Fund, which has delegated the project to Centaurus Hospitality Management. In March this year, 178 Belle Epoque-era items were put up for auction, before the Brussels Region intervened to see whether any new elements of the building needed protecting.
Credit: Belga / Thierry Roge
Now, the planning application is the subject of a public enquiry, which began on Thursday. The buyers have expressed their desire to preserve the building’s past while renovating the interior. The building is partly listed, with the current planning permission application only concerns the unlisted areas, with a future application in store for the listed areas.
"The next renovation," explain the project managers, "will focus on creating a contemporary environment offering both comfort and historic charm. The interior will be completely renovated with modern facilities, while the listed features will be preserved and restored. The result will be a harmonious balance between past and present."
The Belle Epoque-era venue was designed by Alban Chambon and opened in 1894. It was renovated in the 1930s by Art Deco architect Adrien Blomme. The Brussels architectural firm Arter, which is in charge of the current project, intends to draw inspiration from Blomme in its renovation plans.
Hotel Métropole's reopening is expected for 2025.
