Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels plans to launch SUBjonction, a sociocultural space under the North-South railway, revitalizing the area after Recyclart’s eviction. The project, costing €4.6 million, seeks to promote urban culture and community connections by 2030.
The City of Brussels has announced plans to create a new space that reflects the spirit of Recyclart. After being evicted from Kapellekerk station, this organization moved to the Molenbeek canal zone. To revitalize the empty area under the North-South railway, the municipal council has approved a project for a “multidisciplinary socio-cultural space focused on urban cultures.”
This new initiative aims to continue Recyclart’s community-focused work. It will offer an environment where different types of art and creativity can grow. The space will serve as a center for visual arts, modern music, architecture, photography, and other cultural activities, supporting the city’s goal of promoting urban culture and strengthening community connections.
What features will the new SUBjonction cultural center include?
The new center will have a flexible design that allows it to host many activities and serve different audiences. It will feature a large reception area and a multifunctional space that can hold up to 400 people. There will also be a dedicated exhibition hall for displaying art.
The facility will include spaces for conferences and workshops, rehearsal rooms for performers, and a bar or restaurant for social interaction. This focus on flexibility will help the center adapt to changing cultural needs. It will be a space for both established and new urban artists and communities.
The new place called SUBjonction aims to connect with nearby groups like the Brigittines and the Théâtre des Tanners. Some spaces under the train tracks will still be used by the NMBS since the Kapellekerk station will stay open. The goal is to revitalize the district affected by the North-South connection.
The dining area will also serve as a path between the tracks. This project, which started in 2014, is part of a neighborhood plan. Delays are due to technical issues, including water problems and strict fire safety rules. The city council praises NMBS and Infrabel for their support.
Audrey Dubois of the City of Brussels said,
“We are now located under the heavily used North-South connection; there is water infiltration and the fire safety requirements are also strict. Recyclart had to leave because they could not meet them.”
NMBS and Infrabel for their help in using the space under the North-South railway. The City plans to create a space for urban cultures. To move the project forward, the city will apply for a building permit. The estimated cost of construction is 4.6 million euros, not including VAT. A one-time lease payment of 190,000 euros will also be required.
It is still not decided who will run the future cultural center in Brussels. The City may choose to manage the center itself or hire outside groups to handle its activities and programs. This decision will be made closer to the project’s completion. There will be enough time to find and evaluate possible operators.
According to Authorities, construction is not expected to start until around mid-2028. Because of this timeline, the center is unlikely to open until 2030 at the earliest. They mentioned that this allows for careful planning and execution to ensure the project’s success. The City is committed to creating a cultural and social hub that meets the needs of Brussels’s urban communities.
The SUBionction project only includes some of the spaces that will be leased. For another area between Huidevettersstraat and Nieuwlandstraat, the City has a temporary user in mind. However, there is no schedule yet for a more permanent use of that section.
What impact did Recyclart have on Brussels’ cultural landscape?
Until 2018, Recyclart was an important arts and cultural center in Brussels. It was located under the North-South railway at Kapellekerk station. Recyclart opened in 1997 and transformed the space into an area for culture and creativity. The center offered many events, such as concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, and performances, making contemporary art available to many people.
Brussels community said that Recyclart also had a strong social role. It engaged residents through bread-baking workshops and community projects, helping them connect. The center also provided job training in carpentry, catering, and event support for those who struggled to find work. Recyclart became more than just an arts center. It was a symbol of urban renewal and inclusivity in the community.
Recyclart was a cultural center in Brussels. It was situated near the North-South railway, which divided the area. The center worked to connect the neighborhoods on either side of the tracks. Recyclart turned a vacant train station into a hub for art and community activities.
In 2018, the Belgian National Railway Company evicted Recyclart due to safety regulations. By this decision, many locals expressed concerns that the company does not care about the city’s needs. Nearby, large empty spaces under the tracks at South Station have been sitting unused for over 40 years.
The situation at Kapellekerk is set to improve. The Brussels city council has approved a long lease that will let the city use the space for the next 99 years. An architectural competition for part of these spaces was held last year, 2024, and the local firm AgwA won the project.
