The City of Brussels has decided to temporarily open the site of the former Hotel Continental on Place De Brouckère after failing to find a private investor to renovate the iconic location. The space will be used as a cultural project and will open in the coming months.
At the end of March, the Brussels authorities announced that a project had been selected to occupy the building for a period of 18 months before the city will start renovating. It has now been revealed that this is the non-profit organisation Bruxselair, which will offer various commercial activities in the hotel, Belga News Agency reports.
The Brussels authorities said they are "delighted that the Continental will become a hub where creatives can express their art and talent" and added that "the idea is that they come up with the best plan for the future of the building, in light of a dynamic commercial redevelopment of this side of the pedestrian zone."
Place de Brouckère, central Brussels. Credit: Orlando Whitehead
On the ground floor and in the mezzanine, temporary hospitality establishments are to be opened for Brussels residents and visitors. The first floor will be a place for sustainable designers. The upper floors will be reserved for hairdressers, tattoo shops and other creative entrepreneurs.
A large coworking space will be created as well, and Brussels By Night Federation – the umbrella organisation for Brussels nightclubs – will also move into the building.
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For Fabian Maingain, Brussels' city councillor for Economic Affairs Fabian Maingain the Continental Hotel building is the "gateway to the pedestrian zone," and gives an "exceptional and unique" commercial opportunity to the city, while also benefitting the identity of Brussels city centre.
