Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The City of Leuven is transforming the old Domo furniture store into a cultural space, leasing it to Het Depot for 35 years. They need €5 million for renovations, boosted by a €4.2 million grant from the Flemish government. Director Mike Naert aims to enhance nightlife and support local artists, with plans for a 500-person hall and workshops for musicians set to open in 2027.
The old Domo furniture store, a familiar spot for those walking from Leuven station to the city centre, is about to change a lot. The City of Leuven bought the building two years ago to turn it into a cultural space. Recently, it was announced that Het Depot, a popular music centre in Leuven, will lease the building for 35 years to create a lively hub for music and cultural events. They plan to make improvements to better support local artists and host various activities. However, they need around 5 million euros for the renovations to make this vision a reality.
How will Het Depot transform Leuven’s old Domo store into a cultural hub?
The project received a significant boost when the Flemish government approved a grant of 4.2 million euros, helping Het Depot move closer to its goal. This funding will assist in transforming the old furniture store into a modern cultural venue for artists and audiences in Leuven. The renovated building is expected to play an important role in the city’s cultural scene, enhancing Leuven’s reputation as a lively place for the arts.
Depot director Mike Naert expressed excitement about plans to revive nightlife in the city, noting the lack of party options since the closure of popular spots like Manhattan and the Lido. The vision includes a large hall for around 500 people and a smaller space for 150, aiming to attract various organizations for events. While the focus is on young people, there will also be workshops for musicians. The nightclub is set to open in 2027, but extensive renovations are needed to ensure the building is soundproof and in good condition.
