The Walloon government has validated the final selection of projects submitted for the ‘Valorisation of properties with high heritage value’ initiative, it announced on Tuesday.
Given the large number of quality projects, some of which are eligible for traditional subsidies for the restoration of listed heritage, it also decided to increase the initial budget for this programme.
The budget was raised from €14 million to almost €20 million, “in order to support a maximum number of large-scale structuring projects,” the regional government said.
The projects selected include the extension of the Hôtel d’Ansembourg and the renovation of the air raid shelter at the Cité Miroir in Liège; the creation of an interpretation centre at the Moulin de Ferrières and the renovation and scenography of the salons of Mons City Hall.
Others include the reallocation of the old Péruwelz train station; the creation of an immersive journey at the Carré Janson in Tournai and the transformation of the chapel and refectory of the Augustinian sisters into a library in Rebecq.
“Heritage is the testimony of our past, but to remain alive, it must be part of today’s society and continue to evolve,” Regional Heritage Minister Valérie De Bue said in a statement.
“These 11 projects are particularly exciting, as they offer new uses for heritage properties that will strengthen the attractiveness of our territory, particularly for tourism, and will help create new jobs,” she added.
