Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hasselt is tackling nuisance from squatters and homeless people at the old gelatin factory. Fire chief Major Frederick Van der Have oversaw safety steps before most buildings were demolished this year, keeping the Gelatine Tower.
As VRT News reported, Hasselt is taking action at the old gelatin factory after problems with squatters and homeless people. On Friday, July 25, 2025, workers cleared rubbish from the white building.
Today, July 31, 2025, city staff and the South‑West Limburg fire team removed the windows and an outside metal staircase. Fire Chief Major Frederick Van der Have was there to guide the work. The city acted after several fires in the building, the last one only a few months ago.
What steps is Hasselt taking to secure the old gelatin factory site?
Mayor Steven Vandeput’s office says the work at the old gelatin factory is only for now, but is needed. The aim is to make the empty building safe and stop more problems. The city is still worried about squatting and homelessness in Hasselt, and this factory is one of the worst places.
“This action is part of the safety approach for high-risk buildings,”
Mayor Steven Vandeput explains.
“Vacant buildings fall under this category. These buildings are often hermetically sealed, which can cause problems in the event of an incident like a fire.”
The city of Hasselt and the South‑West Limburg fire service are changing how they deal with the old gelatin factory site. They are opening up the empty buildings. Officials mentioned that the plan has 2 aims. One is to make the buildings less appealing to squatters and homeless people who stay there. The other is to let emergency crews reach the spot faster if there is a fire or other danger.
Later this year, Hasselt will start tearing down most of the old factory buildings around the Gelatine Tower. The city will keep the tower as a landmark, but the rest of the site will be cleared to create open green space. The plan is to stop years of squatting and damage and give the area a new use as a safe place for locals.
The old gelatin factory in Hasselt has been empty for many years. After it closed, the site was used by squatters and vandals, and there were several small fires. The tall Gelatine Tower is the only part the city wants to keep. Hasselt and the fire service are now working to make the area safer by opening up the buildings.
