Design of the future Town Hall
Over the past 575 years, the Town Hall has been continuously expanded and renovated. To prepare the Town Hall for the future, we are focusing on accessibility, safety and sustainability. There will be a new building, which respects the existing heritage.
New building
We are transforming the Corps de Garde, the current police station, to create a new entrance and reception area for the Town Hall: the Antechamber.
Why there?
The Corps de Garde was rebuilt in 1965, and contains few original elements. If we carry out the greatest changes there, we can retain the more historically valuable parts of the Town Hall.
The new Antechamber is clearly recognisable as an entrance, but will be modestly in the shadow of the Voorhuis. That will remain untouched.
What interventions are we carrying out?
- The stairs on the outside of the Corps de Garde will be removed.
- We will make the Antechamber’s floor level with that of the Grote Markt.
- There will be an additional building in the form of an octagon built on top of the current police station.
- It will house a new staircase and lift. You will pass through the Antechamber to the historic Town Hall.
Why an octagon?
The shape and stones of the new building recall the towers of the Town Hall, the Tafelrond and Saint Peter’s Church: all octagons with a maze structure.
What can you do in the Antechamber?
- Ground floor: Reception area with the counter of Visit Leuven, the city’s tourist information office
- 1st floor: Info about the Town Hall and the city
- 2nd floor: City balcony with views of the Grote Markt and the Town Hall
Accessible and sustainable
Smooth circulation
There are many differences in level between the historic houses. As a result, it is difficult to navigate.
- There will be lifts and stairs throughout the Town Hall to bridge these intermediate floors.
- We will reopen the existing tower stairs.
- The Vrijthof will be a green place to take a break. We will solve the differences in level with a sloping path that connects the Antechamber and Naamsestraat.
- On Naamsestraat, there will be a second entrance with a café.
Sustainable building
- We are insulating the roofs as much as possible.
- We will generate heat using a BES field under the Antechamber and the Boekhandelplein.
- We are using modern techniques to heat the building at a low temperature.
- We are adding green areas and reducing hard areas on the Boekhandelplein and the Vrijthof.
Timing
- 2020
Appointment of the design team - Mid-2021
Renovation of the historic salons begins - 2022
Management plan compilation (this is a plan with a long-term vision to manage the valuable heritage elements) - October 2022
Information session about the preliminary design - End of 2022
End of the restoration of the historic salons - From 2023
Giving form to the future interpretation of the Town Hall together with the people of Leuven - Spring 2023
Final design - Autumn 2024
Temporary closure of the Town Hall. Tourist reception area, city council, official receptions and weddings move. - Early 2025
Start of renovation work - In 2029
Opening of the renovated Town Hall
Design Team
The design team aNNo & FELT, Atelier Arne Deruyter, 88888, ENDEAVOUR, BAS and SCALA explain the new purpose and design.
Do you have a question?
Contact us, we are happy to help you.
