The City Council of Mechelen and the Court of First Instance have reached an agreement to reopen the courtyard of the Hof van Savoye, which closed in March 2023 due to security concerns.
From 1 September, access for staff and entrances for detainees will be restricted through a badge system to ensure safety.
The decision to close the gate on Keizerstraat followed several security incidents involving court staff, resulting in the historical building being shut off from tourists. The Hof van Savoye, once the residence of Margaret of Austria in the early 16th century, will reopen its gates after intensive discussions with the city council. This new badge system will ensure only authorised personnel can enter certain areas.
“The court is a public place, but we needed to secure our employees,” said Suzy Vanhoonacker, President of the Court. “A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Justice, the city, and our court has led to a plan that allows the courtyard to be opened again.”
Initially, the courtyard and the Throne Room will be accessible to the public. By 2030, which marks the 500th anniversary of Margaret of Austria’s death, her living quarters will also be opened.
“The Hof van Savoye is the most important historical building in Flanders,” stated Mayor Bart Somers. “Emperor Charles grew up here; it’s the first Renaissance building built north of the Alps. We must make sure it is accessible again.”
Long-term plans are already being considered. “This building was never designed as a 21st-century courthouse,” Somers added. Discussions are underway regarding its future, including the possibility of relocating the court to new premises. “We have confirmed that there will always be a court in Mechelen,” said Vanhoonacker. “With 600 daily visitors, we’re too large to close. However, we must admit this building isn’t optimally suited for current needs.”
The building, owned by the Buildings Agency and maintained by the Ministry of Justice, requires both relevant ministers to discuss and develop future plans.
In response to a parliamentary question, Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden confirmed a new courthouse budget plan. One potential site is the gravel parking area at the De Nekker provincial domain, which is set to begin construction in 2027 for new police and security service buildings.
