Lanaken (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The municipality of Lanaken established a strategic plan regarding the Euroscoop cinema complex. The cinema operators ceased operations at the end of last year because the facility persisted in operating at a deficit.
Lanaken municipality released its plan to transform the Euroscoop cinema complex building after the site shut down last year due to continuous financial difficulties. A new permit will be released by the local government to potential buyers only when all requirements, such as turning the site into a leisure destination, are fulfilled. Future operations of this space must exclude cinema activities according to municipal restrictions.
Lanaken requires certain conditions that determine how the Euroscoop complex will be used in the future. The ground floor should function as either a rest area or host experiential facilities, including an indoor playground alongside a bowling facility, climbing centre and hotel amenities. Young families should occupy the residential spaces which will be developed from unused building sections. The project needs to match its façade with the local setting by creating a green zone with a relaxed traffic flow that strengthens the active square area.
The municipality still wants it to be a place where people can spend their free time.
“The ground floor should be a place to relax or experience something,”
Says Alderman for Spatial Planning Jolein Martens (Team Burgemeester).
“For example, it could be an indoor playground, a bowling alley, a climbing hall or a hotel. The rest of the building can be used as a home, we are targeting young families there.”
“In addition, the project must be in harmony with the surroundings and contribute to a lively square. We want a green environment with slow traffic.”
Some functions are also excluded. For example, the complex may not be used entirely as housing. It will also not become a supermarket. Striking: it is also excluded that there will be another cinema, says the alderman.
“They looked at the distance from other cinemas and there is already enough supply.”
What is the history behind Euroscoop Cinema’s closure and repurposing?
Euroscoop Cinema functioned as Lanaken’s local entertainment centre until financial difficulties forced its permanent closure in its last years of operation. The economic losses at the venue prompted management to enact cost reduction through full closures on Monday and Tuesday. The permanent closure of the facility became necessary as its financial situation remained unmanageable when it finally shut down last year. The property entered the market for sale after the conclusion of operations while Lanaken Municipal leadership gained exclusive purchase rights. The local government decided against acquiring ownership of the building. The municipality has chosen an active involvement to guide the site’s future development through specific construction guidelines.
The municipality redefined the complex by specifying that it cannot operate as a cinema facility nor function as a supermarket while banning residential uses. The municipality made this choice to revitalise the area while managing the existing high number of cinemas in the region.
