Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sint-Niklaas offers Cipierage (€1M) and Walburg Castle (€1.2M) to investors with heritage grants (40%) and €500K subsidy; proposals due March 1, 2026, tours Sept 19 & Nov 24.
As VRT News reported, Sint-Niklaas is working to save 2 historic empty buildings. The Cipierage on the Grote Mark and Walburg Castle in the city park are both protected monuments. Alderman for Heritage Carl Hanssens (N-VA) says the Cipierage could be a restaurant, a boutique hotel, offices, or a space for cultural associations.
“Hospitality businesses, a boutique hotel, offices, culture, conference rooms and private practices: it’s all possible.”
Filip Baeyens (N-VA), Alderman for Heritage
What will investors do with Sint-Niklaas’ Cipierage €1M and Walburg castle €1.2M?
Walburg Castle also needs a new purpose. The 16th-century castle currently has a restaurant, which will stay until the end of March 2025. The castle includes a caretaker’s house and a coach house. Alderman for Heritage Filip Baeyens (N-VA) says the castle could be used in many ways at the same time. It could host a restaurant or café with conference rooms, spaces for local associations, or practice rooms, such as for physiotherapists.
Alderman for Heritage Filip Baeyens (N-VA) says,
“Potential investors can build on this, but are also free to submit their own proposals. With this project, we aim to give both buildings a sustainable and high-quality new lease of life.”
Sint-Niklaas is offering investors a chance to restore and repurpose 2 of the city’s most historic buildings. Alderman for Trade and Hospitality Kris Van der Coelden (Vooruit) says the city wants a space where people can continue enjoying a drink on a terrace. He mentioned that the requirement ensures that the buildings remain lively and accessible while supporting commercial, cultural, and community activities.
The financial details for the projects are significant but supported. The Cipierage is offered at €1 million, and Walburg Castle at €1.2 million. Investors restoring the buildings can apply for a heritage grant covering 40% of the total costs. In addition, the city provides an investment subsidy of €500,000 per building.
A large campaign is underway to attract investors from Sint-Niklaas and beyond. Proposals for one or both buildings must be submitted by March 1, 2026, with the city aiming to start working with new leaseholders by June 2026. Anyone interested can take part in guided tours of the buildings on Friday, September 19, 2025 and Monday, November 24, 2025, to see the spaces and possibilities firsthand.
The Cipierage was built in the mid-17th century and is next to the Parish House. It used to be a prison and later became known for the Cipierskelder café. The café closed a few years ago, leaving the building empty.
