The two historic domes of the covered shopping arcade Passage du Nord in Brussels city centre have been restored to the building more than 100 years since they were removed.
Constructed in 1881-1882 after the Senne river was covered to make way for the central avenues in the capital, this arcade between the famous shopping street Rue Neuve and Avenue Adolphe Max bears witness to an era when covered arcades flourished.
In 2018, the covered alleyway was officially reopened after 18 years of renovations. The works saw the interior gallery restored along with decorative elements such as statues and caryatids, marble, tiling, woodwork and cast-iron lamps. The glass roof and the exterior façades were also thoroughly renovated, returning the shopping arcade to its original state.
Archive image of the towers. Credit: Atelier d'Architecture du Congrès/ Frederic Hossey Architecte
But the final touches to the exterior of the protected site have yet to be completed. The two historic domes will now be returned, State Secretary for Town Planning and Heritage Ans Persoons announced, calling this "the icing on the cake and the culmination of a long process of restoration and revival."
At risk of crumbling, these elements of the roof were destroyed in 1910 when they threatened to end up as ruins. The reconstructed cupola are visible from Place de Brouckère and are made of wooden trusses, slate and noble materials.
Credit: Atelier d'Architecture du Congrès/ Frederic Hossey Architecte
Aside from the aesthetic and historical importance, the domes will provide novel living spaces for the housing now added to the upper floors of the gallery. The former offices are currently being converted into shared housing facilities – a process that will see many of the original structures be preserved or restored to accommodate private and communal spaces.
A patio and a roof with panoramic views over the city centre will complete the picture. Restoring the various heritage elements and carry out other works (renovation of the windows, domes and putti, and access doors to the walkway), will cost €818,000.
