The consultation commission has released its opinion dated 15 April regarding the "deconstruction-reconstruction" of the Palais du Midi.
The palace is a significant building in central Brussels, and is set to be torn down and rebuilt in order to make way for the new Metro line 3.
The commission, which includes regional stakeholders and the City of Brussels, and is informed by a public inquiry, has issued a favourable opinion, albeit with conditions.
These conditions primarily focus on the preservation of woodwork and façades, as well as various other installations.
The City of Brussels also issued a minority opinion that is favourable but with slightly different conditions. The City especially insists on preserving the possibility to rebuild the same square metres of facilities and commercial spaces as currently exist.
To excavate underneath the building, it has been decided to strip it down, preserving only the façades. The interior will be demolished, allowing work to be conducted from within, before being reconstructed.
The project is controversial. The association Inter-Environnement Bruxelles and the Urban Research and Action Workshop (ARAU) regularly voice strong criticisms, accusing the project of sacrificing a neighbourhood that has already been neglected for years.
The public transport company STIB has applied for the permit. The decision now rests with the regional services.
