The Régie des bâtiments, the federal government's property management agency, has launched a public contract to restore the facades of the Palais des Princes-évêques in Liège.
The work, which will be carried out in phases starting in 2028, will take at least 12 years to complete, the Régie des bâtiments said in a press release on Monday.
In accordance with an agreement signed in 2023 between the agency and the Walloon Region, as co-owners, a public tender has been launched to select the bidder who will be responsible for the preliminary studies for the restoration of all the facades of the Palais des Princes-évêques (Palace of the Prince-Bishops), as well as the specifications for the first phase of the actual work.
The required investment is estimated at €20 million.
This is a long-term restoration project, to be carried out in six stages. The work should be done in the following order: the first inner courtyard, Place Saint-Lambert, Place Notger and the Governor's side, Place Tivoli and the Third Courtyard, Rue du Palais and finally the Second Courtyard.
The aim is to launch the studies in the second half of 2025. The works themselves are not due to start before the second half of 2028.
Candidates have until midday on 14 April to submit their bids via the e-Procurement platform.
The Palais des Princes-évêques in Liège is part of Wallonia's exceptional heritage. It houses the provincial institution as well as the Liege judiciary.
Its occupants have long complained about the dilapidated state of the buildings, and even about safety problems. Restoration of the interior is planned at a later date.
