The first phase of the Palais de Justice restoration project was approved by the Brussels region on Friday.
Works will now progress to renovate and clean the front part of the landmark on the Place Poelaert side. Lights will then be installed on the façade and various improvements made to the main courtyard. A decorative fence will be erected to secure access to the building.
"The first scaffolding was installed almost 40 years ago," said Pascal Smet (Brussels secretary for Urban Planning and Heritage) in a press release. "This planning permit for the façade restoration finally ensures the restoration of this emblematic building... It will soon be restored to its original glory and once again shine as the roof of Brussels."
The announcement signals a green light for works on the façades, including the restoration of the stone cladding. It also provides for the complete restoration and repainting of the various structures. With the exception of one door that will be replaced, all windows and doors will be restored.
A new fence in the style of one that was subsequently removed will be installed on the Palais forecourt. The Royal Commission for Monuments and Sites will oversee restorations, including a gate that will fit the aesthetics and heritage of the site.
Model of the façade lighting.
In addition, the project will include works to rearrange the courtyard. All the stones recovered during the project will be reused.
The project will also see lighting fitted to accentuate the architectural and aesthetic aspects of the impressive building. This will draw attention to certain characteristic elements of the building but will be sober and will gradually adapt throughout the night.
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The Palace of Justice in Brussels has been encased in steel scaffolding since the mid-1980s and the latest restoration work was completed in 2021. State Secretary for the Federal Buildings Authority Mathieu Michel promised earlier this year that the scaffolding will be removed in 2024.
The entire restoration project is expected to be completed by 2030, BX1 reports.
"Today we are taking another step forward in this titanic work," Michel said. "Tomorrow, I will continue the work so that the Palais de Justice will be completely free of scaffolding by 2030, the year Belgium celebrates its 200th anniversary."
