Brussels Beer Temple architects want to add rear entrance

The team of architects tasked with converting Brussels’ old stock exchange building into a modern-day Beer Temple has revealed plans to create a new opening at the back of the protected building. The daring proposal is sure to cause a stir among all vested parties, writes brusselnieuws.be.

Under the leadership of the renowned architecture firm Robbrecht & Daem - known for the Concertgebouw in Bruges and Ghent’s highly controversial Stadshal (City Hall), the design team wants to include several non-conventional operations to the Beer Temple project, such as the previously announced rooftop bar. Now the designers want to add an entrance at rear of the building, with an aim to make the temple more accessible to tourists coming from the Grand Place via Rue au Beurre.

The idea to change the exterior of the former stock exchange building brings about a fair amount of protest, with opponents calling it “a fundamental attack on an historic landmark”, according to brusselnieuws.be. Adding an entrance at the back may also keep visitors from the newly pedestrianised zone out front at Place de la Bourse, they say.

Robberecht & Daem is not expected to back down from its decision, however, as it is a firm known for tackling complex heritage sites, and adorning them with strong, contemporary elements. Brussels alderman for tourism Philippe Close does not wish to respond until after the official presentation of the project next week, but has disclosed that the plan for the Beer Temple will likely provoke controversy.

Adding to the number of obstacles in the way of the team’s plans is the fact that the historic building is protected, which means that any proposals would still need to acquire the necessary building permits, in addition to a green light from the department of monuments and sites.

According to previous planning, the Beer Temple should be ready in 2018.