SNCB has sold off almost 60 stations over past decade

Belgian rail operator SNCB has sold 59 of its stations over the past 10 years, including 15 in the past year alone, La Dernière Heure reports.

SNCB spokeswoman Marianne Hiernaux said that selling off the stations had reflected the transport system's evolving needs.

“Some have lost their usefulness over time and changing uses,” she said. “The SNCB is therefore putting up for sale various buildings which it no longer needs for its public service missions.

"The objective is to give these buildings of character a second life and upgrade them.”

Among the 15 stations that were sold in the past year alone, were those at Uccle, Heist, Franière, Esneux and Floreffe.

Meanwhlie, Hamoir and Jemeppe-sur-Sambre remain on sale for €138,000 and €159,000 respectively, and another 10 will be on sale throughout 2023.

“Contacts are systematically made with the local authorities in order to imagine reconversions that can be integrated and meet the needs of the locality,” Hiernaux said.

“The common thread in our decisions is that the station and its environment must be a living space as much as possible.

"A station should not be a place disconnected from reality, it must be integrated into its environment.”