No heritage status for Palais du Midi means dismantling can proceed

An application to list the Palais du Midi as a heritage site, submitted by the non-profit organisation Arau in July 2023, has been declared null and void.

This means that demolition works can move forward and, after obtaining a permit, Stib can begin dismantling the building as part of the works on the future metro line 3.

The project involves dismantling the interior of the building to make way for tunnelling equipment and rebuilding shops and educational, cultural and sports facilities, creating two public spaces in the outer courtyards and renovating the existing facades.

But even with a permit issued, it is not a foregone conclusion that the Palais du Midi will be demolished, according to the office of heritage secretary Ans Persoons (Vooruit). The final decision rests with Stib and the government.

Mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) said an agreement was reached within the government in mid-July to ask Stib not to start "irreversible work" as long as there was the possibility of suspensive appeals against the permit in the two-month period.

This seems to signal that the Brussels government is postponing the final decision on the building, and by extension the new metro line 3 project, ideally until the next Brussels government takes office.

But Stib spokesperson Guy Sablon said: “If no appeal is lodged in the next 60 days, we will start dismantling” and that the public transport operator is already carrying out “minor works”, such as removing asbestos.

More substantial dismantling work is scheduled to begin in February 2026 but opponents have 60 days to lodge an appeal with the Council of State.

Various action groups, including Arau, have already indicated that they intend to do so.