Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The East Flemish provincial government intends to resell the old provincial government building in Ghent for 17.5 million euros in 2023. The building has a price tag of 17.5 million euros.
The East Flemish provincial government has reintroduced the sale of the old provincial government building in Ghent at a price tag of €17.5 million. All potential bidders withdrew 1.5 years ago because of concerns regarding city permissions for building conversion. The building has stood empty since 2023 without any occupation.
A stately entrance hall, large rooms, and a courtyard make up the old provincial government building, which stands on Gouvernementstraat in Ghent. The majestic character of the building fails to pull interested buyers. All provincial government workers now operate from their new base at the Leopoldskazerne facility situated on the city ring of Ghent.
“Vacancy is never good,”
says Kurt Moens (N-VA) of the provincial government.
We want to put it back on the market as soon as possible.
He confirms that the province will not wait until next year.
Certainly, I would put it on the market this year because I would like to have those resources available for other things.
“It’s a beautiful location, but the building is very heavily protected,”
says Moens.
The price will depend on the possibilities we can offer to investors,
says Moens. Whether there will be a new estimate has not yet been decided.
“I suspect not, but that still needs to be discussed.”
What is the background of the old provincial building in Ghent?
During the 19th century, the old provincial government building established its presence at Gouvernementstraat. The German occupation forces set fire to the original structure in September 1944 during World War II.
The construction of the new building was completed with a formal opening ceremony that occurred in 1957. Provincial administration work requirements at the old building became untenable after years in use, forcing officials to move to Leopoldskazerne in 2023.
The existing vacant property listed at €17.5 million faces obstacles from its heavy historical protection which restricts building conversions. All 16 potential investors who showed interest withdrew from acquiring the building in 2023 because of their doubts about gaining necessary permits as Ghent enacted a hotel development freeze. The historic nature of the building creates a unique property opportunity because it merges its historical value with classic architectural features.
