Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels, Infrabel, and NMBS will turn the space under Brussels-Chapelle station into SubJonction, a cultural hub with a hall, restaurant, and outdoor area. Works may start in 2028.
As VRT News reported, Brussels will change the space under the Brussels-Chapelle train station into a new cultural place. This area is between Sint-Brigittenstraat and Ursulinenstraat, near the Marolles district. The city now plans a new project called SubJonction. Officials mentioned that the goal is to bring back art, events, and local life.
“The new cultural center must become a gathering place in a vibrant city that continues to renew itself,”
said Mayor Philippe Close (PS).
“With this project, we’re revitalizing a place and reopening it to the neighborhood. We’re also creating a space for culture, creation, and encounters.”
There will be a big hall for concerts, shows, workshops, and meetings. Next to it, a smaller space called the Agora module will host small events and group talks. There will also be a room for artists to rehearse. Offices will help manage the space and plan events.
What will happen under Brussels-Chapelle station?
The SubJonction project will also have a restaurant next to the main hall. It will have room for 60 to 100 people. The place is not just for eating but also for meeting others. It will be part of the cultural space. Outside, there will be space for open-air events and small gatherings.
The SubJonction project is a joint plan by Infrabel, NMBS, and the City of Brussels. Infrabel is the company that manages train tracks in Belgium. It will keep control of the bridge and the tracks above the Subjunction area.
Infrabel says that train safety is still the most important thing. But the company also wants to help with projects that improve life in Brussels. They said they are happy to be part of SubJonction and see it as a good step for the city’s future.
The SubJonction project is based on a 99-year lease deal between Infrabel, NMBS, and the City of Brussels. In 2023 and 2024, the city asked for ideas from groups that may want to run the site in the future. Even with these steps, the project will still take years to finish.
Now that the lease is signed, the city plans to apply for building permission in 2026. If everything goes well, work on the site will start in 2028. The public will likely have to wait until at least 2030 before they can visit.
Officials note that the area under the Brussels-Chapelle train station has been hidden but it has value for the city. It was once occupied by Recyclart and enjoyed the participation of artists, musicians, and local individuals. It had to close in 2018 due to safety issues.
