Major renovation work starts on Brussels Conservatory

Preparatory renovation work has begun, including asbestos removal, in the musical mecca that is the Brussels Conservatory, one of the capital’s most beautiful neo-Renaissance buildings.

From the end of 2025, restoration and renovation work will begin in earnest, with a permit granted for the project at the end of 2023.

Located at the Petit Sablon, this imposing site was built in the 19th century, and became officially known as the Brussels Royal Conservatory in 1832.

The Conservatory houses two music schools: the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel (KCB) and the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles (CRB), as well as a prestigious music library and three concert halls.

Now the building needs a thorough renovation and expansion, so there is sufficient space for the many activities that take place there.

Asbestos removal and general remediation works are essential so that construction can take place in a safe and healthy working environment.

This stage of the project, scheduled to last until spring, will be carried out primarily in a hermetically sealed zone. This will minimise nuisances such as dust, noise and vibration affecting the surrounding area and residents.

During the works, the 1,200 students of the two conservatories are moving to new facilities on the Rue du Chêne. The management and administration departments will temporarily relocate to Rue Royale.

The aim is to inaugurate the newly renovated building with a first concert in 2030. The price tag for the preparatory works is €320,000.

Meanwhile in Ixelles, the iconic Flagey building is receiving €3.235 million for renovation and modernisation works due to start in summer 2025.

“Flagey is an icon of Brussels cultural life and deserves an infrastructure that meets current standards and expectations,” said outgoing minister for public works, Karine Lalieux, also responsible for Beliris, the construction partnership between the federal state and the Brussels region.

“These works will not only contribute to the comfort and safety of the artists and visitors, but also to the appearance of this architectural masterpiece,” Lalieux said.

The works will include the modernisation and redesign of Flagey’s downstairs foyer and its sound and lighting studios.

The winter garden of Laeken’s Royal Greenhouses will also to be restored this year, with a €13 million budget promised by Belgium’s Council of Ministers. Work is scheduled to start in spring.