Today marks the 18th edition of Open Construction Site Day in Belgium, with 130 sites opening their doors both virtually and physically to the public.
The event includes an array of large infrastructure projects, energy-efficient homes, heating networks, and circular renovations. “We are showcasing the innovation within the construction sector and how we provide sustainable solutions for housing, mobility, and climate challenges,” stated Niko Demeester, CEO of organisers, Embuild.
Ahead of the event, banners have been placed at several major construction sites, and a campaign video was released on social media. Although construction initially brings dust, noise, and disruption, it ultimately leads to significant improvements like energy-efficient buildings, new roads, pleasant classrooms, modern sports centres, and smart cities. Demeester sums it up as “construction today, progress tomorrow.”
Demeester advocates for increased infrastructure investment. The sector federation criticises that Belgium’s government is investing only 3% of its GDP this year and next, compared to 3.7% in neighbouring countries and 3.4% as the European average. “Our country urgently needs an overhaul of its often outdated infrastructure, such as roads, cycle paths, schools, hospitals, and energy facilities. We need to be more ambitious. By the end of this legislative term, combined public investments should increase to 4% of GDP, equating to an additional €6.15 billion by 2029 for all levels of government.”
The renovation of the Vilvoorde viaduct and the Antwerp ring road bypass, which will temporarily replace the Merksem viaduct, are some standout sites open for visits. Besides major roadworks, visitors can explore behind the scenes of the metro station expansion at Brussels Central Station, the renovation of the Kanal-Centre Pompidou museum in Brussels, or The Sky student tower in Kortrijk, which stands 53 metres tall and accommodates 192 student rooms.
A limited number of sites are also accessible virtually, with details available on the Open Construction Site Day website.
More information and a full list of sites open for visits can be found at openwervendag.be. Sites are open from 10:00 to 17:00, and some require prior reservations.
Last year, Embuild welcomed 55,000 physical visitors and 215,000 virtual visitors across 116 sites, making the Open Construction Site Day the largest one-day event for the construction industry in Belgium.
