Stabroek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Stabroek’s town centre is set for transformation, with old cafés to be demolished for better access and the rectory repurposed into a catering business.
To improve access to the square and the church behind it, two historic cafés on Belgium‘s Dorpsstraat will be removed.
Following a comprehensive renovation of the historic rectory, the owner struck a deal with the municipality to establish a catering business.
“The cafés do attract people but the buildings are worn out,”
says mayor Herman Jongenelen (STERK 2940).
“On the other hand, the rectory no longer meets the energy standards and we do not have an immediate use for it. Together with entrepreneur Christophe Vandermolen we have now agreed that we can demolish his cafés and that he will make a catering business in the rectory.”
The cafés will be demolished to make way for a walkway that should enhance the view of the square and the church.
“The church and the square are now hidden behind a row of houses. The renovation of the rectory will take a few years, but a catering business will further enhance the meeting on the square.”
The municipality does not rule out that more buildings on Dorpsstraat will be demolished.
“The street is completely built up. We are already acquiring 2 of the 9 buildings that currently block the view. Our aim is to acquire perhaps even more buildings to open up the view even more.”
With some greenery, the municipality aims to make the route to the church and the square a reality this year. Because the renovation is so difficult, the catering company is unlikely to reopen for a few years.
How will demolishing the cafés change the atmosphere of Dorpsstraat?
The space will feel more open and provide better access to the square and church behind if the cafés are removed to make way for a new corridor.
This can improve the center’s walkability and pedestrian appeal, which is in line with urban renewal objectives to rejuvenate central districts and increase the utilization of public spaces.
Old cafés add to a street’s distinct character and frequently act as social hubs. For longtime inhabitants, its demolition would lessen their feeling of place attachment and authenticity, which could make the neighborhood feel less anchored in its history.
Sometimes, urban regeneration initiatives run the risk of destroying the unique personality that makes communities appealing, particularly if historically or culturally valuable structures are demolished.
