Brussels to construct €17 million sports centre

The Brussels Region has presented plans this week for a €17 million new sports complex to be built next to the canal. 

Located at the Quai des Armateurs on an industrial site belonging to the Port of Brussels, the building is intended to contribute to the revitalisation of the north quarter and the canal zone.

The sports complex will be 5,400 m² in size and will include an omnisports hall, a gymnastics hall, a climbing hall, padel courts and a cafeteria.

“This sports centre will bring more life to the area by attracting a more diverse public,” said Brussels minister president Rudi Vervoort (PS).

“It will complement other projects along the canal, such as the construction of Becopark, the reconstruction and extension of Maximilian Park, the planned new concert hall of Magasin 4 and the Kanal-Centre Pompidou museum.”

The building project fits within the urban renewal contract (SVC) 1 Citroën-Vergote, which is intended to give the north quarter a green makeover. 

Its design is the result of an architectural competition which attracted 58 candidates and will be financed by the Brussels Region. The permit application is scheduled for the last quarter of 2022. 

After construction is completed, the management of the sports centre will be transferred to the City of Brussels. 

“For us, this is an essential project for the development of the '10-minute city' by the canal,” said Brussels mayor Philippe Close (PS).

“Housing, a school, a crèche, public transport and now this sports facility will make this a pleasant and peaceful neighbourhood to live in.”

© BEL architecten - CRIT. architecten - Studiebureau Weinan